There is Criminal Law and Civil Law, the cop did nothing wrong, at best he told you the truth, its a Civil Matter, in turn Yes not paying for the fuel would be a crime. Cops can't and don't enforce Civil Law...

At best you could have parked the vehicle at the pump until they took the gas out, as private property they can't cite you...and I'm sure after having people waiting someone would have taken the fuel out...or sue and settle for a few bucks...Like Derf mentioned...

(I lived in NJ, Cherry Hill, the gas station I went to the owner and I had a deal I got my own gas, we never had an issue, but then again I always went before going to work at 0400)...

In another view, things like that happen in Kuwait, the person (National) beats the hell out of the poor attendant (Indian/Pakistani etc) who makes $50 US a month, and losses his job...after serving time in jail...and being deported...does that make more sense...I've seen it happen...

And yes to lie to Law Enforcement personnel is against the law because they made a law for it...most states do...you don't like a law get it changed...Reason in AZ they are called Revised Statutes...it would drive patrol officers crazy...