TowNews

March 30 Catalytic converters targeted: 1:56 a.m., officers were dispatched to an unwanted subject at Lynn’s Towing, 841 Central Ave. N. A tow truck driver called to report the fence had been cut leading into the secured lot. Officers searched the lot and located a subject hiding in the back seat of a vehicle. The man was placed under arrest without incident. The suspect had jacked the vehicle off the ground and was in possession of several tools including a reciprocating saw, various saw blades and a jack. Based on the tools the suspect was likely stealing catalytic converters. A criminal history of the man revealed he has been arrested 14 times for various crimes. https://www.kentreporter.com/news/kent-police-blotter-march-30-to-april-11/

April 8, 2022 Goodyear is collaborating with the Department of Defense, the Air Force Research Lab, BioMADE, and Farmed Materials to accelerate commercialization of natural rubber from a species of dandelion known as TK. https://img.fleetmaintenance.com/files/base/ebm/fm/image/2022/04/16x9/goodyear_dandelion.624f43198cf2d.png?auto=format,compress&fit=crop&h=556&w=1000&q=1

Video in News Story: https://www.wibw.com/2022/04/06/topeka-man-behind-bars-after-allegedly-driving-truck-into-house-beating-man-stealing-gun/ TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - A Topeka man is behind bars after he allegedly drove his truck into a home and then tried to fight a 45-year-old resident and stole his gun. The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office says James O. Meredith Jr., 46, of Topeka, has been arrested for alleged aggravated battery and criminal possession of a weapon by a felon after an incident in the 3800 block of N Kansas Ave. on Tuesday night, April 5. Just after 7:30 p.m., deputies said they were called to the area after a victim reported Meredith had allegedly driven a white 1995 Chevrolet Kodiak tow truck into his home which caused significant damage. Meredith then allegedly broke a window and climbed inside the home where a fight began, he then stole a gun and ran from the scene. Deputies noted Meredith and the 45-year-old victim knew each other. Through the investigation, deputies said information was gathered and Meredith was found in the 4500 block of NW Westgate Rd. He was arrested and questioned by detectives at the Law Enforcement Center. After questioning, deputies said Meredith was booked into the Shawnee Co. Dept. of Corrections for aggravated battery, theft of a firearm, criminal damage and criminal possession of a firearm by a felon.

Owner of Denny's Wrecker Service dies CHUBBUCK — A pillar of both the Southeast Idaho business community and the national towing industry has died. Denny Jones, 81, started Denny’s Wrecker Service in 1962. In addition to running a successful business for six decades, family members say Jones made his mark by giving back to the community. He relished opportunities to play Santa Claus, he was extremely active in the local Lion’s Club and for several years he offered free tows from Dec. 14 through Jan. 1 to keep impaired drivers off of the streets. Jones’ daughters DeAnn Wilson and Stephanie Sartin have been working for Denny’s Wrecker Service, 4705 Yellowstone Ave., Chubbuck, and will run it heading forward on behalf of their mother, Shirley. Jones was born and raised in Utah and moved to the Pocatello area when he was 18 to attend Idaho State College. He worked for Cowboy Oil delivering fuel oil. He eventually purchased his own truck to make fuel oil deliveries. He started Denny’s Wrecker Service in 1962. He went on to buy out a few other area towing companies. “A lot his competition used to work for him. He trained a lot of tow truck drivers,” Wilson said. Jones’ daughter Cindy started another local towing business, Lee’s Towing, with her husband Lee Madden. Denny’s recently acquired Lee’s Towing. Jones is well known within the towing industry. He was been inducted into the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame. He also served on the Towing and Recovery Association Board for 20 years. Wilson explained her father’s greatest joy was playing Santa Claus for both Teton Auto Group, which is owned by her cousins, and for New Day Products and Resources. “He said everyone should play Santa,” Wilson said. Jones was an avid fisherman, who spent the past 30 summers angling in Alaska, often bringing family members along. Wilson said family consider it fitting that Jones died on April Fools’ Day, since he had a reputation as a prankster and always had a one-liner at the ready. For example, Jones met his wife, Shirley, while attending an auction, and he was fond of telling people, “I went to a junk auction and found a perfectly good wife.” “He had a great sense of humor,” Wilson said. “He liked to tease everybody.” Resource Link OBITUARY: Denny Jones Jones Denny Jones, born Melvin Dennis, passed away on April 1, 2022. Denny was born September 19, 1940 to Melvin and Venna Cutler Jones in Brigham City, Utah. He was the oldest of their eight children. Denny was raised in Corinne, Utah until the age of 12. Denny's entrepreneurial spirit started at a young age; he had a paper route, and collected bottles. He was proud to start a checking account and purchase a bicycle, a gun, and bullets with his earnings. The family moved to Wendell, Idaho in 1952, Denny knew then he was not going to be a farmer and made a quick exit out of town as soon as he graduated from Wendell High School. Denny married Juanita Brownlee (later divorced) and moved to Pocatello to attend Idaho State College. Denny and Juanita have four children, LaeLoni, Brad, Stephanie and Travis. While attending college he started working for Cowboy Oil delivering fuel oil and his passion for trucking began. In 1962, Denny started Denny's Wrecker Service in Chubbuck. He was very proud of his business and the opportunity to help people in need. After the divorce, son Travis lived with his Dad and grew up in the front seat of a tow truck. Denny was a charter member of the Towing and Recovery Association of America, serving 20 years as the Idaho Director. He was also a founding member of the Idaho Towing Association. In 2000, Denny was inducted into the International Towing and Recovery Hall of Fame; his picture hangs in the museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Denny's work ethic was unmatched as was his commitment to the community. He served as a reserve police officer, Chubbuck Volunteer Fire Chief, was a member of Pocatello Elks Lodge and served tirelessly with the Chubbuck Lions Club. He was proud to have traveled to Haiti in 1998 with friend Gayle to dispense eye glasses to those in need. They became known as Dr. Jones and Dr. Anderson. Denny's work and volunteerism were important to him however, his favorite job was playing Santa. He loved to see the joy and excitement on the children's faces. Denny befriended, mentored, and influenced everyone he met. Many Pocatello towing companies were started by former Denny's employees. It is not uncommon to see his former employees walk through the shop door to say hello and reminisce. Denny spent many summer nights at the Pocatello Speedway racing anything from jalopies to super modifieds. He loved to go fast and collected many a super modified trophy. After his racing career he enjoyed taking a tow truck to the track to help clean up the accidents. In 1985, Denny went to a junk auction and discovered someone was getting rid of a perfectly good wife. An instant attraction brought Denny and Shirley together. Denny took her children, Cindy and DeAnn as his own. After Shirley's career with AMI, she joined Denny in the business where they worked side by side. Many of their children have worked with or for them over the years. Denny and Shirley have many grandchildren, great Grandchildren and one great, great grandchild. They opened their home to raise granddaughters Haley and Lacey. Many a child called him Grandpa and he was happy to play the part. Denny and Shirley shared a passion for hunting, fishing, and traveling. They spent 30 summers in Alaska with close friends Steve and Annette Osterhout. Denny loved to facilitate and host family and friends in the Alaskan adventure. Included in their travels they attended many national towing association expos where they connected with other towers and made lifelong friends. Guy Benitez, George Stevens, and Chick Malcom to name a few. Denny is survived by his wife Shirley, daughters LaeLoni Prescott, Stephanie (Jerry) Sartin, Cindy (Lee) Madden, DeAnn (Bill) Wilson, son Travis, sisters Dyan Sears, DelOra Versluys, brothers Jerry, Ed, and Don. And all those grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jeanie Stevens, brother Earl, son Brad, son-in law Bob Prescott, granddaughter Jamie, and great grandson Jorden. A viewing will be held on Friday, April 8, 2022, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W. Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, Idaho. Funeral services will be held at the Calvary Chapel, 1633 Olympus Drive, Pocatello, Idaho, on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., with another viewing beginning just one hour prior to the services. Interment will follow the funeral services at Restlawn Memorial Gardens. A luncheon will then take place at the Pocatello Elks Lodge #674, 410 S. Main Street, Pocatello, Idaho. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.wilksfuneralhome.com. Photo from the FB Page of DeAnn Wilson

Stranded driver killed as tractor-trailer hits tow truck on US 52 in Surry County SURRY COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal crash in Surry County Tuesday morning. Around 1:45 a.m., NC State Highway Patrol responded to a fatal collision on US 52 Southbound in Surry County. According to troopers, a driver broke down on the side of the road and called for a tow truck. The tow truck arrived and was in the process of retrieving the broken down vehicle when a tractor-trailer collided with the tow truck and hit the driver who had broken down. They died at the scene. The tow truck driver was not injured. US 52 was closed for nearly eight hours. The tractor-trailer was hauling vehicles, and multiple vehicles it was carrying ended up on the highway during the collision. Charges are pending in this crash. Resource Link

Skip to about the 02:50 mark for the news story.

Mar. 30—MARIETTA — A fire destroyed a handful of small storage buildings and several cars at a towing lot off Dodd Street Tuesday. The Marietta Fire Department responded around 1:45 p.m. to the lot, used by George's Auto & Towing Services, where firefighters found three or four storage buildings ablaze, Marietta Fire Capt. Steve Dau said. The fire spread to about 17 cars on the property. Nobody was injured. The cause of the fire was unclear, and it remains under investigation, Dau said. At around 11 a.m., George Ledet, the proprietor of the towing business, sat in the front seat of his pickup truck and spoke with fire investigators by the smoldering lot. I don't know, I just don't know," Ledet told the MDJ. "All I know is it puts me in a bind. I got to move all that junk, all that stuff's got to be moved." Heaps of discolored metal and charred wooden studs were all that remained of the storage buildings, while several cars had been reduced to burned out shells. Ledet learned about the fire Tuesday morning when the fire department called him, he told the MDJ. He had no idea what caused the fire. The businessman has used the lot for about five years to store cars — some are his own, while others are owned by customers who have nowhere else to store them. He wasn't sure what to do next. "As long as you got God with you, you got nothing to worry about. And God is on my side so he keeps me rolling," Ledet said. Paul Bond is the owner of Max Gain Systems, a fiberglass wholesaler next door. He woke up to 120 Ring security camera notifications about the fire. Bond's business was mostly unharmed, he said, except for some clear plastic panels on the side of the building that melted. He was glad for the fire department's quick response. Ledet's wife, Louella, who helps run the business, stood nearby. "It hurts," she said. "I mean, George didn't deserve this. Honestly, because that man works every day: holidays, birthdays, anniversary. He was always working. ... He don't bother nobody." Resource Link

Witnesses told authorities the driver was speeding in and out of traffic before crashing NATIONAL CITY — A tow-truck driver was injured in a crash Sunday afternoon while he was assisting a stranded motorist on the side of a freeway, according to the California Highway Patrol. The tow truck was on the right-hand shoulder of northbound I-805 between the 43rd and 47th street exits in National City just after 2:30 p.m., loading a disabled Dodge Charger, when a gray Honda CRV struck the Charger. The impact sent it on top of the tow truck, according to a report from OnScene TV. A witness told the CHP the Honda driver had been speeding in and out of traffic, according to the CHP’s incident website. OnScene TV reported the tow-truck driver was at the door of his truck when the Honda struck the Charger and the impact knocked him several feet. The CHP said the drivers sustained minor injuries. Resource Link

Video shows someone getting in the tow truck, and backing it away, as someone runs out to try and stop the theft. PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A towing company says someone stole a tow truck from their garage in Port Richmond, and then crashed it in North Philadelphia. Video from Joey C's Towing And Collision Repairs shows someone getting in the tow truck on Sunday afternoon, and backing it away, as someone runs out to try and stop the theft. People around 15th Street and Ridge Avenue, about four miles away, heard the tow truck crash. "We were up there watching a movie when we heard a loud bang. We looked out the window and we saw the tow truck hit the car and our best friend's car," said Esmerelda Rivera. We're still waiting on word from police to see if the suspect was caught, and if anyone was hurt. Resource Link with Video

FORT WORTH, Texas - Two people died in a collision early Monday in north Fort Worth. It happened around 2 a.m. on the North Freeway near Highway 287. A tow truck reportedly ran into another vehicle. Both people in that second vehicle died. The interstate was shut down because of an investigation. Resource Link

The Board of Directors of the newly formed statewide towing association in Nevada has announced the official launching. The Nevada State Tow Association is the “voice” of Nevada’s professional towing industry. The association is a professional-industry association representing and advocating for the towing and recovery industry in Nevada while encouraging and promoting professionalism, ethical conduct, and high standards within the tow industry. NSTA is open to all professional tow companies, operators, and suppliers in Nevada who support the association’s goals and agree to adhere to the Member Code of Conduct to ensure high business standards are maintained. The Nevada State Tow Association educates the public and governmental bodies on industry issues; develops and promotes legislation, rules and regulations that positively impact the public, the towing industry; and works to promote a positive public image for the towing industry. Resource Link

The Rollback Tires are clearly within the white line. The lane of travel is Narrow and the School Bus is Wide. This is a failure to control the moving vehicle and no what appears to be a legally Parked Vehicle. Seems they make the lanes narrower all the time. Jonesboro Police Department FB page: Police are currently working an accident involving a Jonesboro School District Bus and a Flat Bed Truck. A school official confirmed that no children were injured during the accident. It is unknown how many children were on the bus.

Scotty Crockett- President Guardian Fleet Service WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, U.S. , March 29, 2022 — Guardian Fleet Services Inc. announces that Scotty Crockett has been promoted to President from Chief Operating Officer of the specialized towing and transportation company. With this change, Crockett will be able to focus on the future goals and growth of Guardian Fleet Services, the largest commercial towing, recovery, and specialized transportation fleet company in the Southeastern United States. Geoff Russell, formerly President and CEO, remains CEO of Guardian Fleet Services. From its’ beginning, Crockett said the plan for Guardian Fleet Services was to continue to grow the business and to be the premier service provider in its’ markets. “As COO, running the operations of Guardian Fleet Services for the last 5 years has been an honor and a great experience,” Crockett said. “Throughout these years, it has allowed me the opportunity to work with a lot of amazing people with the same passion for the industry and customers that I share.” He added, “This time has allowed me to surround myself with the best our industry has to offer. In the mix of everything, with Geoff Russell’s guidance and mentorship, I have had the opportunity to build a team around me that compliments everything we do. Without this dedication, Guardian Fleet Services would not have achieved the success it has to date. Assuming the position as President of Guardian Fleet Services is a great accomplishment and the highlight of my career.” The promotion is part of a series of executive moves whose purpose is to better serve our customers and the Guardian Fleet Service’s team. Guardian recently announced Thomas Tedford, an industry veteran with almost 30 years of experience, as its’ new Chief Operating Officer. “I look forward to having Tom Tedford as the new COO. His leadership will allow Guardian Fleet Services to accelerate to the next level. This will allow me to focus on the growth opportunities that Guardian Fleet Services has in front of it.” Resource Link

Edmonton, Alberta — A new amendment to Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act will require drivers to slow down to at least 60 kilometres an hour when passing stopped roadside worker vehicles with flashing lights. The updated Bill 5 aims to cover roadside maintenance workers and snowplow operators with protection under the Traffic Safety Act; similar to coverage that is already in place for first responders and tow truck operators. The amendments will affect drivers traveling in all lanes in the same direction as the stopped roadside worker vehicle and to drivers traveling in the opposite direction on single-lane highways. Michelle Chimko President and CEO Alberta Motor Association “Near misses and collisions are a regular occurrence for Alberta’s tow truck operators, emergency responders and other roadside workers,” said president and CEO of the Alberta Motor Association, Michelle Chimko. “We applaud these changes as an important first step in improving the safety of these essential workers and look forward to our continued work in further improving their visibility and safety.” The AMA has been pushing for updated legislation in this area since 2017. Between March 2018 and March 2021, there were 128 collisions involving snowplows contracted by Alberta Transportation. Current fines for passing an emergency vehicle on the side of the road can range from $136 to $826, depending on the speed. The province is planning an educational campaign for drivers prior to the anticipated enforcement date of spring 2023. Resource Link

Guardian Fleet Services of West Palm Beach, FL, the Southeast's largest towing company, has appointed Thomas Tedford as chief operating officer. NEWS PROVIDED TO EINPRESSWIRE BY Tow Times magazine March 28, 2022, 19:45 GMT I am very excited to join the team. I'm excited about the future and what it holds.” — Thomas Tedford WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES, March 28, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Guardian Fleet Services Inc. of West Palm Beach, FL, has added a chief operating officer to its executive team. Thomas Tedford, a towing and recovery industry veteran, was named chief operating officer of Guardian Fleet Services effective this week. Tedford brings 35 years of towing and recovery experience to the helm of Guardian Fleet Services, the largest commercial towing, recovery, and specialized transportation fleet company in the Southeast.He rounds out the Guardian Fleet Services executive team, including CEO Geoff Russell, President Scotty Crockett, CFO Mike Welch, Vice President Mark Kara, and Vice President Sean Loscalzo, who is in charge of the South Florida market."I am very excited to join the team," said Tedford, "and I'm excited about the future and what it holds. There are significant growth opportunities, and I look forward to being a part of them."Tedford has a strong history in the towing industry, including 17 years at United Road Towing. He currently is treasurer of the Chattanooga-based International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame and Museum. He has received many awards, such as induction into the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame in 2008, among other honors.At Guardian Fleet Services, Tedford will help the employee-owned company to continue to grow and expand. His focus on acquisitions, startups, consolidation, team building, business development, cost controls, and performance are aligned with Guardian Fleet Service’s business plan, making him a vital asset to the team._______About Guardian Fleet Services:Guardian Fleet Services Inc. was formed in 2017 following the merger of Kauff's Transportation Systems Inc. of West Palm Beach and Crockett's Towing LLC of Tampa, Fla. Today, Guardian Fleet Services companies have a combined 100-plus years of service, over 300 employees and more than350 pieces of equipment combined. Hannah O'Shea Guardian Fleet Services Inc. +1 772-318-0281email us here Visit us on social media:FacebookLinkedIn Resource Link

There were no injuries after a fire at Preferred Towing Saturday. Rescue crews responded to 1313 12th Ave. at about 3 p.m. for a report of a fire, Port Huron Fire Battalion Chief James Hayes said. A vehicle inside the building caught fire, causing significant damage to the vehicle and items around the vehicle, Hayes said. The vehicle was believed to be damaged in a crash and stored inside the building, he said. There were no injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. While Hayes said there was minor damage to the building, Preferred Towing driver David Graham said the business is still assessing the damage. Graham said Sunday the business has not closed as a result of the fire. Port Huron Township, Fort Gratiot and Marysville fire departments also responded to the scene, as well as Tri-Hospital EMS and Port Huron Police. Resource LInk Statement found on Company FB Page: As some of you may know, our 12th Ave location caught fire yesterday afternoon. We are grateful to report there were no injuries and everyone was safe! We want to thank Port Huron Fire Department for the quick action taken to extinguish the fire in record time! We appreciate your prompt, professionalism and can't thank you all enough. We want to thank our incredible staff for jumping into action and being wonderful, especially throughout these past 24 hours Lastly, thank you everyone who reached out to see if they could help with anything! We appreciate you all! We are still available to help with all of your towing needs (810)985-4350 We are counting our blessings extra, today! IMAGES: https://mifirephoto.smugmug.com/Photos-By-John-Weichsler/Port-Huron-Preferred-Towing-3-26-2022/

Man shot tow truck driver on I-70 in Hendrick’s Co. before stealing truck 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 suffering from an least one gunshot wound. He was taken to an area hospital in critical condition. 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. When a tow truck arrived to assist, the man fired multiple shots at the tow truck driver, then got in the tow truck and drove away, per state police. Resource Link Police found the man in the tow truck a short time later and apprehended him. Investigators discovered the man’s 4-year-old child was also in the tow truck. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the shooter. An investigation into the incident is ongoing. This Rest Area is located Southwest of Indianapolis, Indiana Curtis Garage and Wrecker Service wrote: March 26, 2022 I’m sitting here thinking about what to write in this post and how to put into words the events of yesterday. It’s very surreal and should have never happened but unfortunately it did. I pray for the safety of our employees often but never would I have ever thought that would mean one of them would be a victim of a senseless crime. Our driver, Matt Roberts, was assisting a stranded motorist when he was shot 5 times. I can’t give further details about this part of the story due to the ongoing investigation. It will all come out eventually. What I can say is that our mighty Lord had his hand on Matt. So much proof of this in the way things happened and the fact that he is still with us. He’s a strong man and we have an even stronger God. I cannot express enough how much we appreciate all of your prayers, calls, offers to help us. We are extremely blessed to know such kind and thoughtful people. I ask that you continue to pray for Matt and his entire family. They are all amazing people with strong faith. Matt is loved by all of us at our company. We are like family. He is a very hard working man with incredible work ethic. He’s a jokester and he makes our company better by being a part of it. If you know him at all you know what I’m saying is true. When he surprised me this morning and called me I cannot express the joy, relief and genuine thankfulness that I felt in that moment because yesterday morning I wasn’t sure if I’d ever hear his voice again. The tears I cried today were happy tears, unlike those of yesterday. I’m not sure what kind or how long a recovery he’s going to have but we will all get him through this. He’s got amazing support from his family and will have from his work family too. Matt has had excellent care by the physicians and nurses and staff at the hospital and we can’t thank them enough either. We can’t thank all of you enough. I’ll just simply ask you again to please pray for Matt, his wife, his children and the rest of his family. We may not know what lies ahead but we do know we will get through this. We love you, Moose, and we can’t wait to hug you again! Thank you, Jesus!

DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado lawmakers are looking to tighten up on nonconsensual tows in the state, meaning they want to put more parameters on tows that happen on private property without the car owner’s consent. They say the main point they want Coloradans to understand about the new bill is that the goal is to end predatory towing and get drivers back in their cars quickly. “This bill is a bill that evens the playing field between tow truck companies and consumers,” Arapahoe County Representative Naquetta Ricks said. She said it’s time to give car owners rights when it comes to getting their cars towed away from private properties. A newly introduced measure calls for the tow companies to be more accountable when they take cars without the driver’s knowing about it. “After they have taken a car, they need to make a phone call, they need to do their best efforts to try to reach the consumer and let them know. Right now, it only requires that they let law enforcement know but they will need to reach out to the vehicle’s owner,” Ricks, a prime sponsor of the measure, said. Towers would need to do reach out quickly under this new bill: They would need to give 24 hours written notice before removing a car Towers would have to take a picture of the car and notify the owner within 10 days of the tow Towers would not be able to collect daily storage fees without doing that Charge the same fees for nonconsensual tows as they would for consensual tows Tow companies would have to allow drivers to get items out of their car “It allows consumers to get their cars back if they cannot pay the tow fee if they cannot get their property back out of the car; for example a car seat or their tools. Any of your personal possessions in the car,” Ricks said. While several towing groups are against the measure, some of the state’s largest police groups haven’t taken a position on the new bill. Durango Deputy Police Chief Brice Current said the bill mainly deals with consumers, property owners and towing companies. “I always have wondered why there are two different fee schedules for consensual versus nonconsensual tows and I’ve seen it cause difficulty on some individuals trying to get their vehicles back,” Current said. “From what I’m reading so far, this is more between the tow companies and private entities and I don’t see where it’s going to cause a major concern with law enforcement at this point.” Some tow companies have threatened to be removed from the list of towers that can assist with nighttime tows if this measure passes. That would create a headache for law enforcement if it gets out of hand but officers we spoke to do not believe it will come to that. Resource Link Abusive tow truck practices said to be systemic. A new bill contains ‘guardrails.’ Democratic state lawmakers aim to address financial impact on low-income renters Resource Link 2

Back alley deals, fake crashes, arson, and even murder— nothing is off limits in the ruthless world of Canada's towing companies. BY ROB STUMPF MARCH 23, 2022 When most people think of organized crime, they probably picture Tony Soprano’s “waste management” gig, the various drug cartels, or the body counts racked up by the Mafia in cities like New York and Chicago in decades past. But for the people living in Canada's most populous province, organized crime takes a very different but very real form: Towing. Yes, towing. Criminal enterprises have run rampant across Ontario's towing industry since at least the early 2000s, and the situation has resulted in unlawful tows, firebombs, and even murders across the greater Toronto Area. To understand why there's so much crime in Canada's towing industry, we have to back up and look at what many local organizations blame as being part of the problem: the way police call tow trucks to the scene of a wreck, and the lack of industry regulation. READ MORE HERE

WSDOT posted this incident statement on their FB page: At about 3:30 p.m. Tuesday our attenuator truck from our Hyak maintenance shed was providing traffic control for a disabled vehicle and tow truck on westbound I-90 about seven miles west of Easton when it was struck from behind. Several signs were in place warning of the lane closure. Fortunately the operator of our truck, while sore, had no major injuries. The Washington State Patrol took the other driver into custody for possible DUI. We've seen a sharp increase in major collisions this month, both involving our work zones and otherwise, and for a variety of different causes. So this is another reminder to please. ...PLEASE. ...for the safety of our workers, other drivers and pedestrians, and yourself, slow down, drive sober, be alert, and secure your loads. It all makes a difference in keeping everyone out there safe. The Wife of the Tow Truck Operator responded in the topic: Ashley Butler said: My husband was the tow truck driver in this incident. Without that crash truck, he may not have came home yesterday.

EASTON — A driver was arrested for DUI on Tuesday after colliding with a WSDOT truck on Interstate 90 in Kittitas County. The collision occurred around 3:30 p.m. on westbound I-90, near exit 63 about seven miles west of Easton, according to the Washington State Patrol. The WSDOT truck was providing traffic control for a disabled vehicle blocking one lane, as well as a tow truck on scene, when the WSDOT truck was hit from behind, Trooper John Bryant stated. No injuries were reported in the collision. Bryant said the driver of the causing vehicle was taken into custody for DUI. Resource Link

This is one of the most dangerous spots to pickup a car from. On one side I get crushed by oncoming traffic. On the other side I fall off a bridge onto another highway. One mistake could be the last one I ever make. It is a magnet for wipeouts exactly where I am standing. Nobody merges over and it is especially dangerous on wet slippery roads. This driver thought he broke a control arm but it turns out the frame actually was so rusted it broke at the control arm mount. If you want to see a bunch of crashes exactly right where I am standing, head over to @Minnesota Traffic Live for those video!

Tatman’s Towing raises Scott’s Law awareness after tragedy