TowZone

Rather Uneventful, Tow Truck show up at about the 15 minute mark and ignores the youtuber. Youtuber does not interact with Tow Truck Driver who loads and goes.

INDIANAPOLIS AREA CRIME - ‘I will kill you right here’: Court docs shed light into shooting of tow truck driver along I-70 HENDRICKS COUNTY, Ind. – Court documents reveal more about the events leading to the shooting of a tow truck driver along I-70 in Hendricks County, with the victim saying the accused shooter exhibited odd behavior during the encounter. This week, Joseph Jackson, 22, of Raytown, Missouri, was charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery, neglect of a dependent, carrying a handgun without a license and conversion (theft of the tow truck) in connection with the March 25 incident. Around 10:15 a.m. Friday, authorities were called to I-70 eastbound near the rest park at the 64-mile marker. Officers found a man had been shot. They later learned he was a tow truck driver who’d responded to help Jackson, a stranded driver whose car had a flat tire. Jackson had shot the other man, police said. A 4-year-old child was with Jackson, who got into the tow truck driver’s rig and took off. When police found the tow truck—Jackson’s car still on the flatbed—it was on I-70 westbound near State Road 267. Police initiated a traffic stop and pulled him over. They found a handgun in the truck as well as the 4-year-old child. The probable cause affidavit sheds some light on the incident, with the tow truck driver indicating signs of strange behavior from Jackson and police expressing skepticism about Jackson’s account. During an interview, Jackson told police he didn’t want to talk to them but said he did want to explain what happened. According to his account, he feared for his daughter’s safety after the tow truck driver arrived and accused him of making inappropriate comments toward the girl. Jackson then expressed concern that the officers standing near him during the interview would hurt him. He pleaded with officers not to hurt his daughter; officers assured him the girl was safe. Of the shooting incident, Jackson said he wanted the driver to take him to a Greyhound bus station, which he claimed the driver told him wasn’t possible. Jackson then claimed he asked the driver to unhook his vehicle, to which the driver declined. Jackson told police the driver made “comments” about his young daughter that made him uncomfortable and claimed the man “tried to hurt my family.” He said the driver then took off running and he shot him. Police appeared to express skepticism about Jackson’s account, questioning why the driver would run away when he’d arrived to help. Jackson recalled firing two or three shots, according to court documents. He acknowledged the driver “might be hurt” after the incident and later uttered, “I did not mean to hurt him.” After the shooting, Jackson told investigators he tried to call the police, but his first call didn’t go through. Police said Jackson’s daughter was forensically interviewed about the incident, although she “did not disclose anything” that would help the case. On Saturday, police interviewed Matthew Roberts, the tow truck driver who’d been shot. Roberts, who talked to investigators from his hospital room, said he’d responded to the rest area to help a driver whose car had broken down. He wanted Jackson and his daughter to sit in the tow truck for their own safety while he loaded the disabled car onto his flatbed. After the car was loaded, Roberts saw the little girl sitting in the tow truck. He recalled saying “good morning sweetie” to the girl or something of that nature. Jackson then, according to court documents, advised the driver that his daughter had a name and he should call her by that. Roberts said he apologized. Once they were in the tow truck, Roberts told Jackson he planned to pull into the rest park so they could discuss payment and decide what they were doing with the car. To Roberts’ recollection, Jackson wanted to go to a Greyhound bus station with “no funny business.” Roberts then noticed a “behavior change” in Jackson, according to court documents, saying he was “acting strange.” By Roberts’ account, Jackson said, “I will kill you right here.” When Roberts told Jackson he had a family, Jackson replied, “I don’t give a [expletive],” according to court documents. Jackson pulled out his gun; Roberts exited the truck and was hit in the left forearm. He told police he believed he was shot five times and ended up lying on the ground. Roberts recalled seeing Jackson sitting in the truck cab with his gun pointed at him. Jackson then got out of the vehicle and tried to operate the bed of the truck but was unable to, got back into the truck and drove off, Roberts told police. According to court documents, Roberts believed “Jackson was not acting right and seemed to have already made his mind up where he wanted to go and do.” Roberts is recovering from his wounds. Police said doctors were able to extract one bullet during surgery, which has been put into evidence. A Facebook post indicated Roberts works for Curtis Garage and Wrecker Service. The company called the shooting “surreal” and said it has received an outpouring of support for Roberts and his family.

@Ed Allegretti the new account has been merged with your original member account. Check your email to reset the password, all your posts on this account will transition to the pervious screen name shortly. Thanks for returning to TowForce, still the newest Force in the Towing & Recovery Industry. Looking forward to seeing more of your insightful comments. Professionalism Lives within these forums.

As we are approaching the end of March, I see several of you have logged into the message board and even more have openned emails. However, there has been only one response to the names listed on the original topic this month. Please take a moment to note the month you joined TowForce in your profile. If it is March then add a reply here and let us know you're still among the towing community. Thanks And regardless of the month you joined, we continue to add new supporters. Returning to the shows and bringing back Meet & Greets continues to be a Goal. As well as taking care of deficit funds created by the move over the past 4 years. If you are not a current support you can assist us with these Goals. Become a TowForce Supporter Today! TowForce Supporter Levels Start at - $29.00/yr. for Patron Level I Supporter - click here - $50.00/yr. for Patron Level II Supporter - click here - $75.00/yr. for Patron Level III Supporter - click here - $200.00/yr. for Patron Level III Supporter - click here Supporters for these Sponsorship Levels are also needed: - Silver Click Here - - Gold Click Here - Gold Plus Click Here - - Platinum Click Here

If it keeps up, you may be looking at some guniwheels in your furture. Probably pay for themselves in a short time.

HENDRICKS COUNTY, Ind. — A tow-truck driver is in critical condition after being shot by a man whose vehicle broke down on I-70 in Hendricks County, according to Indiana State Police. At about 10:15 a.m. Friday, authorities were called to I-70 eastbound near the rest park at the 64 mile marker. Officers arrived to find a man who had been shot. He was taken to an area hospital in critical condition. “It’s very disconcerting that something like this happened, in broad daylight no less,” said Captain Ron Galaviz, chief public information officer for ISP. ISP said the shooting happened after a man had a possible mechanical issue with his vehicle and pulled to the shoulder of the interstate near the rest park. It was after the tow truck driver arrived to assist, that state police said the driver fired shots at him. “When a tow truck arrived to assist, the individual that was in the broken-down vehicle, fired multiple shots at the tow truck driver, striking him,” Galaviz said. “The shooter then went back to his vehicle, grabbed the 4-year-old child that was inside of that vehicle, they both got into the tow truck and drove away.” According to police, the man in the tow truck was located a short time later and apprehended. Investigators also found the man’s 4-year-old child in the truck. “There have been a number of shootings over the last couple of years. We have been very fortunate here of late that we’ve actually been able to, within a very short period of time, make a couple of arrests,” Galaviz said. The identity of the shooter has not yet been released by authorities and an update has not been provided on the condition of the victim. Tow truck drivers are often on busy roadways and in some cases, in unsafe locations while responding to calls for assistance from motorists, that’s why experts said much of the training they do revolves around safety and move over laws. Still, there isn’t quite a manual that prepares for a situation like this, said Bart Giesler, Executive Director of the Indiana Towing & Wrecker Association. “I’m not aware of anybody giving specific training for this, no different than I’m assuming a plumbing company doesn’t train their members for a tragedy like this,” said Giesler. Giesler said, at the end of the day, it’s simple. Tow truck drivers want to help others, while doing the job as safely as possible. “We just want our members and employees to be able to make it home safe to their families,” said Giesler. Often times, tow truck operators are the first to arrive on scene when a vehicle breaks down or a person is experiencing a mechanical issue. “I think there’s that frustration and a lot of times we may be the first person that we see after the accident,” said Giesler. “The unfortunate reality of the world we live in is, you just don’t know. Whether it’s an Uber driver or somebody out going and providing a service, you know, going out and trying to assist someone,” he said. “That’s typically the last thing that anyone would ever think about. You’re going to help them.” Giesler wasn’t able to comment on this incident, but said he is thinking of the tow truck driver injured in Friday’s shooting. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the driver and his family,” said Giesler. An investigation into the incident is ongoing. ISP said detectives are working with the Hendrick’s County Prosecutor’s Office to determine charges against the suspect. Resource Link

They left a DUI only to be struck and killed by the person who should not have been allowed to continue driving. I suppose we can contribute this to both being young officers.

Maryland State Police Detectives Seek Identity Of Suspected Road-Rage Gunman

More Law Enforcement Officers are now being struck and killed in the line of duty. These officers are in situations where a tow truck is on scene or has been called to the scene. Tow Truck Operators have faced this danger for years and many blame it on the amber lights. I hear how Red and/or Blue would be better. Well, now the number of Police Vehicles with the Reds and Blues are being struck at a higher rate than Tow Trucks. If we are unable to Wake Up the distracted motorist any other way, then enforcement must increase Dramatically and Fast before more lives are lost. We as an industry must request law enforce begin the increase the enforcement of these laws. NO at this point we must demand it for the lives of not only Tow Truck Operators but the Lives of the Officers themselves. Why are they not as concerned about the tragic loss of lifes as we are. They bury members of their profession just as we bury members of our. We Scream and Shout, they often mourn in silence. It's [past time to be heard, it's time for action. Any Suggestions?

Sugar Land officer in critical condition after series of crashes on US 59 near Highway 90A Sugar Land police responded to a single-vehicle accident just before 2 a.m. along U.S. 59, KPRC-TV reports. Officer Ruben Munoz was tasked with blocking traffic in the HOV lane while a tow truck was on the way to clean up the crash. As he was blocking traffic, Munoz was struck by a pickup truck while he was still inside his cruiser. Medics treated an unconscious Munoz at the scene, and while this was happening, a Jeep ran into the pickup truck. https://www.officer.com/command-hq/technology/traffic/officer-visibility/video/21261331/texas-police-officer-critically-injured-blocking-traffic-at-crash-scene

Brian, great points for consideration. There are however unanswered questions from the video. When did the driver realize the vehicle was on fire? I would assume and I realize what it does to assume. But, these fires generally start small and spread slower then one would expect. There is often time to extinguish the fire or get it under some type of control. I carry two fire extinguishers for juat that reason. The factors as to whether I let it burn on the truck or unload it are varied. I suppose since I only drive an autoload, unloading the vehicle and moving away is a no brainier. While (knock on wood) it has been several years since I had a vehicle on fire in tow. It has happened and I have even driven a few blocks to a fire house while calling ahead. Seems to take as long to put the fire out there as it does on the scene. In the end it is best a take precautions so fires do not result while in tow. The number one cause is often a battery issue.

This is why to do not get into verbal exchanges with other drivers. Let the Ego Go, move on cause it is not worth it. One incident can alter your whole day, in this case the exchange of words did effect this tow truck drivers day. Road Rage is out there... Do not let it happen to you.

Tow truck drivers pleading for drivers to follow 'Scott's Law'

Those old 302 Mustangs are getting hard to find in nice condition.

Yes, the Bull Dog is GOLD.

Did not take many this year and there are not any video's to share like in the past. But, it was a good show. Highlight of the show I have to say was the keynote speaker. Mike Rowe (Dirty Jobs and Mike Rowe Works) I have a few more on my phone when I get time to add them. EV's were the focus of the show it seemed.

Would you leave a burning vehicle on your truck or would you drop it? Obviously in the situation shouln on the video there was enough time prior to the arrival of the Fire Truck to unload the burning vehicle. At least get it off the truck, free wheel and pull away. Hopefully there was a fire extiquisher on the truck to have attempted to control the fire. What are your thoughts and I realize none of us were there except the rollback driver when the flames began.

You have to wonder what goes through the mind of these people who say it's just a flat tire. Then you arrive on scene and find that it grew into something more. Kinda like the Tire Change that Snowballs and increases the amount of time required either at the scene or in tow. I try to tell other drivers if the tire change is going to take extra time. just tow it. Do not give the vehicle owner or driver an option at that point. Yours obviously did not have an option, were they with it when you arrived?

2 men die after Route 22 median crash in Readington, NJ READINGTON — A tow truck operator working on a disabled vehicle in the median of Route 22 was killed after being struck by an SUV that drifted off the highway. The crash also killed the elderly driver of the SUV. Police said Seth Newton, 26, of Readington, who works for Superior Towing of Readington, was in the center median of the roadway near the Phillps 66 gas station. The driver of a Cadillac Escalade, Gary Vondrasek, 86, of Lebanon, drifted from the westbound lanes into the median, hitting Newton and the unoccupied disabled vehicle. Newton was pronounced dead at the scene, while Vondrasek was taken to RWJ University Hospital Somerset where he died. Condolences for Sean Newton "Our world was shook yesterday as Mike Gir and I lost one of our employees. Seth Newton was an incredibly thoughtful young man with huge ambitions. Truly one of a kind. There will forever be a piece of our hearts missing at Superior Towing & Transport LLC," Newton's employer wrote on the company's Facebook page. "The members of the Tewksbury First Aid & Rescue Squad wish to convey our deepest sympathy to the Superior Towing team and the family of Seth Newton," the squad wrote on its Facebook page. "Our thoughts and prayer are with you all at this most difficult time." "Our thoughts and prayers are with Superior Towing and all of the Superior family on the loss of Mr. Seth Newton," the Flemington-Raritan First Aid and Rescue Squad wrote on its Facebook page. Readington police ask any witnesses to the crash to call them at 908-534-4031. https://nj1015.com/2-men-die-after-route-22-median-crash-in-readington-nj/

One Picture says it all... Yep, that's a Cresent Roll Can. Unopen Can, Just happened to be laying in the passenger seat

Randall, my preference is an Autoload on the interstate. That is unless the vehicle is totally disabled and requires dollies, then a Rollback may be preferred. If tow ops would just hook the vehicle securely enough to get to a safer location where a proper securement can be made. I see far to many rollback drivers doing 4 point and 8 point tie downs in the middle of the interstate. I have blocked for drivers doing this when I am on scene. Then the driver approaches my drivers side to thank me. That was the third mistake, the first was working the traffic side and the second was taking the added time to fully secure the vehicle. They generally get and ear full as I tell them to get away from the traffic. I did not exit my vehicle for just that reason. I suppose it is all these topics but I find that my eyes are always on the traffic and my ears are listening as well. I have done this for so long and dodged so many near misses, I do it instintively. This is why we often see the years of experince drivers have being struck is generally low. However, there are expceptions. What we need to teach is how to set up or secure the scene. There are far to often details missed that may have reduced the risk. I suppose it is the nature of the business that tow ops just get to the job. Some fear it and some don't, I have not come to a conclussion which is better. To Fear or Not to Fear. I do know that those that keep up with the Tower Down Notifcations seem to have a different mindset out there or the roadway then those that do not. How do we as an industry do a better job at getting that message out there. I have stressed safety meetings, yet the majority of companies do not conduct these on a regular basis. The companies that start them do not follow through and there are few if any meetings going forward. Myself and others have added topics to the forums which can be discussed in these meetings. I hsve asked that companies print out the tower down topics and either hang them up or lay them on a drivers room table. I get negative reactions and they would rather their drivers not hear of the tragic deaths and injuries. I would think that would make the drivers think about safety much more. Some thing it would make them less safe. My thoughts are maybe the some drivers would say the job is too dangerous. Many thoughts go through my head and if I am dead tomorrow. Know that I did everything I could to work safe. One got through and that seems to be the case most often. One Got Through or didn't Move Over!

Look how much more room this driver had to move over when stopped. If this trafic stop resulted in an arrest you were called. Would you move the vehicle further to the side before loading or would you just load it where it sits? I always ask that the officer leave the key or fob with the vehicle. That way should the vehicle need to be moved as in the situation, it can be done. Also, having the key to place the vehicle in nuetral speed the process up enough that it could made the difference for a carrier operator. What are your thoughts?