Yes, if we can pinpoint this, it would certainly be helpful! In looking at a satellite view of the path from the gas station to his home, here is what I note (could mean nothing, just observations):
Surrounding the gas station: Tire shop, auto repair shop, pizza, chicken
From gas station heading down Inwood, which is a straight shot to the right turn on to his street (just under a mile): Big apartment complex close to gas station, assortment of usual fast food places, etc. en route, Car dealership at about 1/2 way mark between gas station and turn on to Alan's street, another car dealership 2/3 of way, 3/4 of way between gas station and turn to Alan's street you enter a residential area, then Alan's street turn on right.
What jumps out at me is the number of car related services; dealerships, tire places, and other car related shops in the first 3/4 of the drive on Inwood between the gas station and Alan's turn. ALOT of car related shops. There are also a LOT of industrial car/truck related shops where Alan's loaner was found. This is all about that CAR.
I know there are plenty of car related shops everywhere, but the density of them in the two main areas (gas station to Alan's home, and where the car was found) is notable to me.
As to where the car was stopped, I speculate not far from the gas station....not far at all.
Amateur opinion and speculation[/QUOTE)
I was surprised when I read (I believe from his brother) that there is video of him leaving the gas station and passing several business. It seems like the easiest explanation is a car jacking/robbery, but the most likely scenarios for that is when one has stopped, and especially has gotten out of the vehicle. So, wonder if he stopped at any of those "car-related" places after the gas station stop?
I know that Inwood is a busy route, but I do believe that a car-jacking can happen within seconds. Also, I'm trying to remember if it would have still been dark at that time in the morning. I really think that's the scenario we're looking at here. This is early morning: How many people are really paying attention to much outside of the car in front of them, the light that just turned yellow, the meeting they're mentally preparing for, their son/daughter who's in a troubled relationship, their hideously long "to-do" list for the day, etc., etc., etc. This is early morning, and many of us are on auto-pilot at this point. I just can see this happening in "plain day", so to speak, and no one seeing it. But especially, at a business, where he's out of the car, either just having stepped out or come back to it after going inside to make a purchase or something.
It wouldn't even have to be two perps. Someone puts a gun to the head, a knife to the throat, etc. Thought they might be able to get some more money out of him -maybe have him drive home to get valuables, etc., then Alan tells them someone's at home. Plans change at that point, and Alan has to disappear. Sad, but I think it's something along these lines.