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  1. Shots fired at tow truck driver trying to re-possess owner's vehicle in West Philadelphia: police PHILADELPHIA - A tow truck driver was just trying to do their job when police say a vehicle owner opened fire from a West Philadelphia apartment. The shooting erupted near 49th and Chestnut streets around 4am Tuesday. Police say the tow truck driver was in the process of re-possessing a vehicle when its owner fired several shots from a second-floor apartment. The tow truck was found with multiple bullet holes, but it is unknown if the driver sustained any injuries. No arrests have been made, and no suspect description released at this time. RESOURCE LINK
  2. As we continue to celebrate Women's History Month, AAA is hiring more females as tow truck drivers and car care techs than ever before. The next time you call AAA for Emergency Roadside Service, there’s a good chance that a woman will come to your rescue. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women made up only 1.4% of the automotive repair industry in 1999. However, in 2022, the number of women in automotive repair rose to 12%. There are an estimated 31,514 tow truck operators currently employed in the United States. However, only 3.4% of all tow truck operators are women. Last year, AAA Mid-Atlantic, which is part of the AAA Club Alliance, saw an increase of more than 20% in the number of women hired for car care and automotive repair, compared to 2021. The auto club also saw a jump of more than 35% in the number of women hired for our Fleet Operations, including tow truck drivers. 7News spoke with AAA Battery Technician and Light Service Provider, Shana Jordan who has been with AAA since 2014. Jordan started her career on the automotive repair side at the AAA Car Care Center in Glen Burnie. She also attended Lincoln Technical Institute, where she studied automotive technology. “When I arrive on the scene to help a Member, my mechanical background and training helps me easily troubleshoot problems a lot quicker,” said Jordan. She loves her job and strives to provide top-notch service at all times. Many people still aren’t used to seeing a woman in a male-dominated field, but Shana aims to change that perception and looks forward to the opportunities to continue to grow at AAA. Shana’s Fleet Operations Manager, Martha Hicks, said, “Shana exemplifies true professionalism and dedication to our Members.” RESOURCE LINK
  3. 39-year-old tow truck driver hit by pickup truck, in serious condition The man was clearing debris from the roadway when the pickup hit him, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. A New Smyrna tow truck driver is in serious condition after being hit by a pickup truck on Sesame Boulevard in Palm Coast on March 27. The 39-year-old was going north on Sesame Boulevard just after noon when he stepped out of his truck to clear debris from the road, according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol. A 21-year-old female, driving a gray Toyota Tacoma, was going west on Seminole Woods Boulevard and made a left turn onto Sesame Boulevard. Her Toyota’s front bumper struck the 39-year-old. The tow truck driver was transported to Halifax Hospital with serious injuries, the FHP report said. The Toyota driver was uninjured. No further information is available at this time. RESOURCE LINK RESOURCE LINK
  4. At least one person was killed in Jamestown on Thursday morning, according to the California Highway Patrol's online incident information page. Officers responded to a stretch of Highway 108/120 near Rushing Hill Lookout Road, about 10 miles east of Knights Ferry, around 9:15 a.m. Thursday. The incident summary says a tow truck, hauling another vehicle and traveling west, hit another vehicle head-on. How that happened isn't clear from the incident page, and the eastbound and westbound lanes of the highway are divided in that stretch. As of 11:40 a.m., officers were still at the scene, diverting oncoming traffic onto a dirt road, said California Highway Patrol Officer Susan Addleman. Keystone Roadway was entirely blocked off, according to the report. The highway reopened a little before 1 p.m. RESOURCE LINK Tuolumne County, CA – The CHP has released new details regarding a two-vehicle crash on Highway 108/120 west of Jamestown that resulted in a Sonora man being flown from the scene and another person being pronounced dead at the scene. The name of the deceased is not being released pending family notification. The collision happened just after 9 a.m. on Thursday, east of the La Grange Road intersection in the Keystone area. It stalled traffic for hours, first closing that section of roadway for about an hour, and then officers directed one-way traffic for more than an hour as the wreckage was cleared. The CHP reports that the deceased was driving a 2003 Honda eastbound on the highway east of La Grange Road. At the same time, 47-year-old Joshua Selesia of Sonora was traveling westbound in a 2013 Ford F-650 tow truck, carrying a 2001 Ford Excursion SUV. The driver of the car went onto the south shoulder and then overcorrected, traveling into the truck’s path, according to the CHP. The left front of the truck hit the right side of the Honda. The force of the impact dislodged the SUV from the flatbed. Once the vehicles came to rest, the CHP disclosed that the car burst into flames, fully engulfing the Honda and spreading to the truck and SUV. Black smoke could be seen billowing into the sky. This crash remains under investigation, but drugs and alcohol are not suspected. RESOURCE LINK
  5. BALTIMORE -- A tow truck driver was shot Thursday morning while working in Northwest Baltimore, police said. Investigators believe the 36-year-old man was towing a vehicle in the 2900 block of Garrison Boulevard when he was shot. He went to a fire station on the 3900 block of Liberty Heights Avenue for help, which is where police responded. Joseph Everett said the commotion startled him from his sleep. He looked outside and saw the driver trying to tow a car from the parking lot at his apartment complex on Garrison Boulevard and watched as he slammed into a bus bench while rushing away. "He was driving really fast and just turned up the street and drove straight up Garrison," Everett said. "There's clearly a parking lot entrance and exit so I was kind of confused on why he would go through the grass." Signs warn those who park in the lots there without proper authorization or a sticker that they will be towed. The towing company declined to comment to WJZ. Theodore Miller said he sees a tow truck driver monitoring the lots every day. "He was doing his job—that's all he was doing—a regular tow truck driver who comes every day. Same guy every day," Miller said. The fire station is about half a mile from the shooting scene and was itself the scene of a shooting in August 2015 when a firefighter was struck by random gunfire while on duty and standing outside. Video from the scene on Thursday showed the tow truck with a red Camaro convertible still attached stopped in front of the fire station and surrounded by crime tape. Miller said violence is never the answer to resolve disputes. "Everybody's got a job to do, so that was his job. That's his life," he said. "It's sad, but people have to abide by the rules. Should have let them take the vehicle, paid the fee and got his vehicle back." Police canvassed the apartment's parking lot Thursday afternoon. They told WJZ they are still working to determine the motive. RESOURCE LINK
  6. COLLINSVILLE, Okla. - Tulsa County deputies arrested a Collinsville man accused of dumping coffee grounds into the gas tank of another man's tow truck. The affidavit says George Myers did this two different times, causing damage to the victim's truck. The damage resulted in a loss of business for the victim. Resource Link with News Video
  7. One person is dead after an industrial accident in Stouffville, Ont., police say. York Regional Police said officers were called to a business on Highway 48 north of Cherry Street around 12:50 p.m. on Wednesday for an industrial accident involving a tow truck and a pedestrian. Police said the tow truck and pedestrian collided. Officers said both the driver and the pedestrian were employed by the business. According to police, the pedestrian, a male, was taken to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Officers said the force’s major collision unit, the province’s ministry of labour and the coroner’s office are investigating. Note the article does not state the business or what type of tow truck is being referred to as being involved. Resource Link
  8. OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — A bill that addressed the state's current "Slow Down, Move Over" law passed through the House unanimously on Wednesday. House Bill (HB) 2684, authored by Rep. Neil Hays, R-Checotah, would mandate drivers approaching a stationary, authorized emergency vehicle to reduce their speed to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit. The bill would also increase fines for non-compliance. HB 2684, the "John Mills Bill," is named after John Mills, a tow truck operator from District 13 who was killed this past Nov. 2022 along Hwy 69. "While this bill's need saddens me, I am honored to run it to recognize John Mills' legacy," Hays said. "I encourage all Oklahomans to pay attention to the highways so our first responders, second responders and emergency workers can stay safe while doing their job." If a person violates this provision, they will be found guilty of the endangerment of an emergency worker. The fine for not complying would be $5,000 if the offense resulted in injury to an emergency responder and $10,000 if the crime resulted in an emergency responder's death. HB 2684 passed the House with a vote of 86-0. It now moves on to the Senate for further consideration. RESOURCE LINK Original Notification Topic: Tower Down - 11.26.22 (OK) "Updated 02.18.23"
  9. A tow truck carrying a box truck crashes into state police vehicles in New Jersey WARREN COUNTY, N.J. (KYMA, KECY-TV) - New Jersey State Police released dashcam and bodycam video of an incident in February where a heavy-duty tow truck crashed into multiple police vehicles as they were attending to an accident scene.
  10. Two Springfield men are facing several charges in connection with a Monday night Northampton traffic stop-turned-drug-bust that led police to uncover over 90 grams of suspected cocaine, over 250 bags of suspected heroin, a gun and body armor. On Monday at 7:40 p.m., Northampton police stopped a car on King Street after noticing the vehicle’s registration was revoked for insurance cancellation, according to a Northampton Police Department spokesperson. While investigating the vehicle, Northampton police uncovered a significant amount of suspected heroin and cocaine. An additional thorough search of the car led police to discover a loaded firearm containing 13 rounds of ammunition, over 90 grams of suspected cocaine, over 250 bags of suspected heroin, over $2,700.00 in cash, 2 scales, 8 cell phones, a rifle sight and ballistic body armor, according to the department spokesperson. Police went on to arrest the vehicle’s two occupants: a 53-year-old Springfield man and a 23-year-old Springfield man, who operated the car. RESOURCE LINK
  11. FHP: 61-year-old man dead after pickup truck hit by Road Ranger goes over side of Buckman Bridge JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 61-year-old Jacksonville man is dead after his pickup truck was hit by a Road Ranger early Tuesday morning and then went off the Buckman Bridge, according to Florida Highway Patrol. The Road Ranger, a 23-year-old Jacksonville man, was not hurt, FHP said. The cause of the collision, which happened shortly before 3:30 a.m. in the northbound lanes of Interstate 295, is still under investigation, FHP said. FHP spokesperson Master Sgt. Dylan Bryan told News4JAX that they now believe the pickup truck was moving when it was rear-ended by the Road Ranger’s tow truck. There was damage to the left rear of the pickup truck and damage to the right front of the Road Ranger’s truck. Bryan said the pickup truck impacted the guardrail and then flipped up, striking a light pole before it tumbled over the rail and into the river. The Florida Department of Transportation released a statement of condolence for the man who died and said it is working with investigators on what caused this crash in the first place. The statement goes on to say, “As with all crashes on the roadway, FDOT will refrain from speaking on the crash itself as it is pending investigation. As a matter of process, FDOT evaluates all crashes that occur on state facilities after the investigation and will take appropriate action at that time.” FHP said it interviewed the Road Ranger. It is unknown how long he has been a Road Ranger. The Sky 4 helicopter flew over the scene as crews worked to remove the pickup truck. Around 8:30 a.m., it was hoisted out of the St. Johns River and back onto the bridge. As that all happened, both northbound and southbound traffic on the Buckman Bridge was backed up for miles, and the process took hours to eventually clear. As of midday, traffic appeared to be moving a lot smoother across the bridge. Roy Skets drives across the Buckman Bride a few times a day for work. News4JAX caught up with him before he went back across the bridge hours after Tuesday’s deadly crash. We caught up with him before he went back across the bridge – hours after a deadly crash, that sent a truck over the wall, and into the river. Skets said that when driving on the Buckman, he has to be defensive. “It feels like a freeway, it’s like Daytona or something. They’re just going too fast, going left and right, no signals, illegal lane changing so on and so forth,” Skets said. “So it’s very dangerous.” Judy Rothwell, who drives on the Buckman, also described it as a racetrack. says it’s like a racetrack up there. “I see the people crossing the bridge all the time. They think they are on a video race or something the way they weave in and out of traffic, and nobody does anything about it,” Rothwell said. It is not known whether speed was a factor in Tuesday’s crash. A news release from FHP does not mention the speed of either truck. Skets said he is thinking about the man who died and the man’s family. “The family is the one that suffers, us that are left behind and the aftermath of it all,” Skets said. He said he will take his time and be as careful as he can while driving on the Buckman. RESOURCE LINK
  12. A Seattle police officer was assaulted while recovering a stolen vehicle early Sunday morning, according to the department. The officer found the stolen vehicle in the 2300 block of Franklin Avenue East around 1:30 a.m., police said. While recovering the vehicle, a man appeared from a nearby apartment and tried to intervene in the tow truck driving away with the stolen vehicle. Seattle police said the man was identified as a 42-year-old suspect with multiple outstanding felony warrants. A short foot pursuit ensued, and the officer took the suspect into custody. As the officer waited for backup to arrive, the suspect started yelling and shouting for someone inside the apartment, police said. A 49-year-old woman walked out of the apartment and attempted to insert herself between the officer and the detained suspect. A second man, aged 32, came out of the apartment and began to assault the officer to prevent him from detaining the first suspect, police said. The two men fled from the officer and barricaded inside the apartment. At this point, the woman dropped her efforts to interfere with the detainment of the male suspects. Hostage negotiators arrived on scene and tried to persuade the suspects to exit the apartment. Police later obtained a search warrant to enter the apartment and arrested the suspects. Seattle police said the officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The suspects were not injured in the incident. The 42-year-old suspect was arrested on charges of assault, obstruction, resisting arrest, false reporting, and his outstanding warrants. The 32-year-old male suspect was arrested for assault and obstruction. They were both booked in King County Jail. RESOURCE LINK
  13. 02.25.23 Police say a 30-year-old woman died after crashing into a parked tow truck in Soundview early Saturday morning. The collision happened on the Bronx River Parkway and Westchester Avenue around 4:30 a.m. Police say the woman was found unresponsive with traumatic wounds throughout her head and body. No other information was available as of Saturday evening. RESOURCE LINK
  14. 02.25.23 - A 61-year-old man has died after he was pinned underneath a tow truck in Moanalua
  15. Fire dept.: Tow truck crashes into active scene on I-80, multiple NJ State Police vehicles damaged ALLAMUCHY TWP., Pa. - Authorities in Warren County, New Jersey say a tow truck crashed on I-80 Thursday night, damaging multiple New Jersey State Police vehicles. Around 10:30 p.m., crews were sent to mile marker 17.4 for a two-vehicle crash, according to a Facebook post from the Allamuchy Fire Department. While operating on the scene, shortly after 11 p.m., a large Heavy Duty “rotator” tow truck towing a refrigerated box truck came crashing into the active scene, according to the post. Multiple New Jersey State Police vehicles received significant damage, as well as some minor damage to a BLS unit and one firetruck, the fire department said. "By a miracle, every member from Fire, EMS, and police walked away last night and returned home to their families safely," the fire department said in the Facebook post. No word on if any of the drivers were hurt in the crash, or if anyone is facing charges. Also no word on what may have led up to the initial crash. RESOURCE LINK Allmuchey Fire Dept. We’ve all heard and seen the saying “Slow Down and Move Over”. Every first responder is taught to watch their back on the roadway and to never turn your back to traffic. We see it all the time on television and social media of it happening across the country, but we never imagine it will happen so close to home. Earlier last night, at 22:30, crews were dispatched to Mile Marker 17.4 for a motor vehicle accident involving two vehicle as a precautionary to assist with the scene. While operating on the scene, at approximately 23:10, a large Heavy Duty “rotator” tow truck towing a refrigerated box truck came crashing into the active scene. Multiple New Jersey State Police vehicles received significant damage, as well as some minor damage to a BLS unit and one firetruck. By a miracle, every member from Fire, EMS, and police walked away last night and returned home to their families safely.
  16. MURRAY, Utah (KUTV) — A 29-year-old man died after losing control of his car in snowy and icy conditions on I-15 near Murray. Officials said the driver of a black Subaru Legacy entered I-15 northbound from 5300 South on-ramp at approximately 5:13 p.m. Wednesday. According to UHP, the driver of the car began to go off the road due to the snowy conditions. The car drifted into another lane while it was fishtailing in front of a tow truck towing a vehicle. The Subaru's driver-side doors were struck by the front of the tow truck. Officials said the driver of the Subaru was transported to a nearby hospital and was pronounced dead before arriving. The truck's driver was uninjured. There were no other vehicles or passengers involved in the crash, troopers said. The northbound lanes of I-15 were closed while crews investigated the scene. RESOURCE LINK
  17. BOX ELDER, Utah (KUTV) — A 19-year-old man was found dead almost half a mile from the scene of a crash and hours after the car was towed. According to Utah Highway Patrol, troopers responded to a single-vehicle crash on southbound SR-13 near milepost 16 at approximately 1:30 a.m. Wednesday. Upon arrival, officials reported the vehicle had slid into a nearby ditch. "Due to the severe weather in this area, driving conditions were slick with low visibility," troopers said. Troopers said in a release that no occupants were found at the scene after approaching the 2018 Honda Civic with minimal damage. The registered owner of the vehicle was notified, and a tow was requested. During investigation, a family member confirmed that Samuel Slade of Layton would've been the driver of the vehicle. "Although they were unable to contact him, after conversations with the family, it was determined that the driver could have been at an acquaintance’s residence," officials said in a statement. Family members contacted officials later on Wednesday after Samuel reportedly did not return home. Troopers responded out and helped in searching for the possible location of the driver. The body of Samuel was discovered by family members within one-half mile of the crash site a short time after arriving. Both Utah Highway Patrol and Box Elder County Sheriff's Office were assisting in the investigation. https://kutv.com/news/local/19-year-old-boy-from-layton-found-dead-half-mile-from-scene-of-crash-samuel-slade-honda-civiv-sr-13#
  18. DOUGLAS COUNTY — Two people were sent to the hospital on Monday, Feb. 20, after three vehicles collided on Interstate-94 due to icy road conditions. A 2006 Toyota Scion XA — driven by an unknown female driver out of Hudson, Wisconsin — collided with a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee on Interstate-94 between milepost 105 and 106 in the Hudson Township at 5:32 p.m. Carrie Kelly, 57, of Oakdale — the driver of the Jeep — was being pulled out of the freeway's ditch by tow truck driver Randy Gau, 52, of Alexandria, when the eastbound traveling Scion collided with the Jeep and the 2014 Ram Tow Truck. The driver of the Scion and Kelly were transported to Alomere Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Gau was uninjured. All drivers were wearing their seat belts. Road conditions were snowy/icy, according to the accident report. Responding agencies included the Minnesota State Patrol, Alexandria Fire Department and North Memorial Ambulance. RESOURCE LINK
  19. Tow truck driver Daniel Meade dies in roadside incident near Yass Canberra towie Daniel Meade dies in roadside incident near Yass. he is remembered as a devoted dad and husband after a tragic workplace accident near Yass on February 17. No other information at this time.
  20. WACO, Texas — A 3-vehicle accident is being reported at the intersection of 17th and Jack Kultgen in Waco, fire officials said. The Waco Fire Department is reporting that a car hit a car being towed behind a tow truck. Waco fire said no injuries were reported. An investigation into this incident remains active and ongoing. RESOURCE LINK
  21. While the family waited for a tow truck, the man ran across the street to go to a convenience store. When he ran back across, he was hit by another driver. HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A man helping his mother after her car broke down along the North Freeway was hit and killed Tuesday night, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office. The crash happened around 9 p.m. as the man and his wife were heading home from their little nephew's birthday party. They stopped along I-45 and Remington Valley Drive to help after his mother-in-law's car broke down. While the family waited for a tow truck, the man ran across the street to go to a convenience store. When he ran back across, he was hit by another driver. He was pronounced dead at the scene. "All my husband was trying to do was go to the store," the man's wife said. "We were helping somebody on the side of the road over there on the freeway. The lady was flying so fast, she didn't see my husband and hit him. And now my children now have no dad no more." The woman says her husband leaves behind their six children. The family said he was a loving husband who took care of his family and went on to say they're already heartbroken after losing their son last year. Meanwhile, the driver who hit the man stayed at the scene and cooperated with deputies. They also said she didn't show any signs of intoxication. RESOURCE LINK
  22. Woodstock man killed in crash on I-575 in Holly Springs Authorities are investigating the cause of a crash in which a man died on Interstate 575 in Holly Springs. According to Holly Springs police, a white passenger car struck a tow truck stopped in the emergency lane on I-575 northbound just north of the Holly Street bridge. The driver of the white passenger car, Craig Brown, 37, from Woodstock, was pronounced deceased on the scene, police said. The driver of the tow truck was taken to Northside Cherokee Hospital for minor injuries. The Cherokee Sheriff's Office has been asked to help with the investigation, which remains ongoing. RESOURCE LINK ------------------------------- A Statement from Mauldin Body Shop & Towing reads: We are very thankful for all the prayers & calls for our driver. He is ok but very sore. Thankfully he had just sat down in the truck and was not at the rear when it was struck. I am sorry for the family of the driver that did not make it. The move over law has to be looked at more closely because this is happening way too often with the industry. ------------------------------- The accident happened at I-575 north near Holly Street Bridge, just before Holly Springs Parkway, according to GDOT 511. HOLLY SPRINGS, Ga. — One person is dead after a car went under a tow truck Monday afternoon in Cherokee County, the Holly Springs Police Department said. The accident happened along I-575 northbound near Holly Street Bridge, just before Holly Springs Parkway, according to GDOT 511. Holly Springs Police identified the person who died as 37-year-old Craig Brown of Woodstock, Ga. Brown died at the scene. Authorities said the car went under a tow truck, which was picking up another car on the side of the road. The two truck was stopped in the emergency lane. Holly Springs Police said no one else was injured. Police said the interstate was shut down for nearly two hours but was able to reopen shortly after 4 p.m. The crash is still under investigation. RESOURCE LINK
  23. State Police retaliates against western Michigan towing company, lawsuit claims (MI) The owner of Eagle Towing in Montague is suing Michigan State Police, claiming the firm has been unjustly removed from a list of companies called to remove disabled and abandoned vehicles and those involved in accidents. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The head of a third-generation towing company is suing Michigan State Police, claiming he is being blacklisted for helping expose criminal wrong-doing by a former police chief in Oceana County. John Heykoop, who owns Eagle Towing, says the state police scrubbed him from a list of companies it uses to remove disabled and abandoned vehicles and those involved in accidents. Montague-based Eagle Towing, which operates in Muskegon and Oceana counties, suffered “irreparable harm and continues to suffer damages on a daily basis,’’ according to the lawsuit filed earlier this month in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids. Heykoop says it is to get back at him for exposing questionable conduct involving former Shelby Police Chief Robert Wilson, who was prosecuted for keeping salvage vehicle inspection fees that should have gone to village coffers. Lt. Jeffrey White, who runs the state police post in Hart, sent Heykoop a letter saying Eagle Towing was being removed from the no preference list due to “the quality and type of service’’ provided by Eagle Towing, according to the lawsuit. The state police post in Rockford did likewise, notifying Heykoop that Eagle Towing was no longer on the wrecker rotation list, the lawsuit claims. Despite meeting state requirements for being placed on the no preference list, Eagle Towing remains excluded, the lawsuit contends. “Other towing companies and businesses within the Rockford and Hart posts have not been subjected to this discriminatory and unequal treatment,’’ the lawsuit claims. “The unequal treatment was the result of intentional and purposeful discrimination.’’ Damages to Eagle Towing include loss of business and an injured reputation in the community, the lawsuit claims. Michigan State Police employees named in the lawsuit are being represented by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, which declined comment. “Because of pending litigation, we cannot comment,’’ spokeswoman Andrea Bitely said in an email. The lawsuit seeks more than $100,000 in damages. Heykoop also wants to be put back on the no-preference towing list and be treated similarly to other towing companies. Eagle Towing, meanwhile, is under contract with Electric Forest, LLC to provide towing services at its annual music festival, which gets underway this weekend in Rothbury. RESOURCE LINK With Video
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