Maybe it's mixing apples and pears, but something similar did happen to me a few years ago.
Went to the movies with my wife, and after that came back to my car, the dashboard lights did turn on, but couldn't start it.
Had jumper cables with me, and asked a guy to connect to his battery. The engine did start, but soon as I turned on the lights it died. Ask the guy to try one more time, it did start again, this time didn't turn the lights on.
Got out if the public garage, got the revs up and then turned the lights on, but it almost died on me again. Turned the lights off, not a smart idea because it was dark, but tried to get to a free parking place for the night.
The engine was working (badly), and as soon as I touched the brakes it almost died again. Came to a stop using the hand brake, and finally parked it. Took the bus home.
Next day bought a new battery, and everything was ok.
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