TowNews

HARRISON, Ark. (KY3) - A Boone County man is accused of shooting at a pair of tow company employees sent to repossess what was believed to be his girlfriend’s vehicle. Kristopher Woods, 22, of Batavia, was arrested on a felony count of a terroristic act and two felony counts of aggravated assault. Investigators say a deputy with the Boone County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to D&A Towing to speak with workers after they claimed they were shot at as they left the property. The employees showed the deputy a bullet hole in the tow truck. They told investigators they were contacted by a local car dealership about the vehicle needing to be repossessed at a residence on Fields Lane. Investigators say both victims claim the vehicle owner came outside upon arrival and was compliant with them. “She just said before you drag it onto the truck, it would be better to put it in neutral not to tear the transmission up,” said Taylor Graham, one of the victims. “So I started to ask her for the keys. The other guy came out of the house waving a gun around and pointing it at him.” “I thought let’s just try and get out of here without getting anybody harmed,” said Matthew Mays, the other employee at the scene. “I looked back before I pulled out, and he is messing with a gun. I didn’t know if he was loading it or unloading it,” said Graham. “We started to pull off, and Matthew here is telling me to go faster because the guy was walking out in the road, messing with the gun still. He told me to get down, and I just had to lean down as far as I could to keep from getting hit. Then something hit the back of the truck. We made it to the road and just got out of there.” The two say they’ve dealt with aggravated owners during repossessions but never thought they’d have an encounter like this. “It’s not worth the repossession fee to them to get shot, and before they could get going, the guy starts shooting at them and actually hit their truck pretty close to where the passenger was sitting,” said Boone County Sheriff Tim Roberson. “We employees that work hard and they are in danger every day to try and address these incidents when they happen. Roberson said the assailant initially denied shooting at the truck but did come willingly to authorities. Investigators with the sheriff’s office found a bullet hole in the back of the tow truck approximately an inch away from the back class. “I know some other guys that have had this problem. I’ve talked to other tow truck drivers that say it used to happen all the time; something needs to be done about it,” said Graham. Many tow companies are no longer willing to take the risk. “Different tow companies don’t do repos anymore just because of incidents like this,” said Mays. “Most people may argue a little bit, but you explain to them what you’re there for, and they work with us once they understand what is going on.” Since the incident, D&A towing says they’ve changed their policy, no longer conducting repossessions without a dealership representative. Woods is currently free on a bond of $10,000; no court date has been filed. RESOURCE LINK with News Video

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A warning from Philadelphia police. They're seeing a spike in vehicle thefts involving unmarked tow trucks. Police say the thefts are happening across the city, but many are in the southwest and west police divisions. In each case, the thieves say the vehicle is on the 311 list and they frequently ask for money to stop the vehicle from being towed. Police say legitimate tow truck drivers never drive unmarked trucks or request money.

Dale Merriman, 72, passed away August 6th, 2022, with his children by his side in Aubrey, Texas. Dale was born August 28th, 1949, in Woodbury, Tennessee to William "Dick" and Willie Matt Merriman. Dale spent his days as a child playing with his three siblings in the hollers of Hollis Creek. When he was old enough, he enrolled in the Army and served in the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1970 as a part of the 101st Airborne Division, Heavy Artillery. Dale was awarded the Bronze Star for his outstanding meritorious service in connection with ground operation against hostile forces in Vietnam. When he came back from Vietnam, he moved to Oklahoma to pursue other dreams, eventually settling into a career as a tow truck driver for Exclusive Collison & Towing in Yukon, Ok. Dale was an upstanding, heroic man and that was acknowledged again in 1997 when he received The Towman Commendation for Courageous Professionalism in the Endeavour to Save a Human Life. He enjoyed his retirement, spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. In his free time, he loved to be at the BMX track, play with his grandchildren, watch WWE and Football, and eat Moon Pies. Dale is survived by his wife of 24 years, Brenda; his 3 daughters, Becky, Shelly, and Sally; his son Jimmy; 6 grandchildren, Cody & Jacob Jarvis, Hannah & Austin Merriman, Carolyn & Declan Maclaskey; and 2 great-grandchildren; his sister and her spouse Betty & Jerry Reed. Also surviving is his sister-in-law, Linda Merriman. He was preceded in death by his son Jeffrey Dale Merriman; his sister and her spouse Garnett & Charlie Campbell; his brother Lonnie Ray Merriman; and both of his parents William "Dick" and Willie Matt Merriman. Funeral services will be 1 pm Saturday, August 13, 2022 in the Chapel of Woodbury Funeral Home with Bro. Greg Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow in the Prater Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation with his family will be Friday, August 12, 2022 from 4 pm - 8 pm. Woodbury Funeral Home, 615-563-2311 or to leave condolences and memories with his family, please visit, www.woodburyfuneralhome.net. https://www.cannoncourier.com/dale-merriman-cms-21771

A tow truck driver remains at large after he shot at a competing tow truck driver on a Sunnyside street Thursday. The suspect got into a dispute with his 44-year-old rival outside 47-56 45th St. at around 1:35 p.m. where an accident had taken place, according to police. The victim, police say, was called to the scene to tow a vehicle from the collision and then got into an argument with the suspect at the location. Sources say they were arguing over who was taking the tow job. The dispute escalated and the enraged driver then yelled “I got something for you” at the victim. The suspect then grabbed a gun from his truck and fired off several shots at the victim. The gunshots did not strike anyone, however, one of the bullets smashed through the rear windshield of an unoccupied white SUV that was parked on the street, according to reports. The alleged shooter then fled the scene, police said. No injuries were reported, and no arrests have been made. The owner of the SUV told NBC New York that he considers himself fortunate not to have been struck by the bullet, given he was in the vehicle minutes before the shooting. “I’m very lucky, very lucky,” he said. RESOURCE LINK Queens tow truck driver fires shot at rival, hits innocent bystander’s SUV A tow truck driver fired a gunshot at a competing tow truck driver in a fight over business in Queens Thursday — and the bullet stuck an SUV belonging to an innocent bystander, according to police and witnesses. The angry tow man took aim at his 44-year-old rival near 45th Street and 48th Avenue in Sunnyside at around 1:35 p.m., then took off on foot, according to police sources. A bullet hit the rear window of a GMC Acadia parked nearby — and landed near the driver’s seat — just 20 minutes after the man behind the wheel had exited the vehicle, he told The Post. “I came back and I saw the car was shot,” said the SUV driver, who identified himself only as Gus. “I’m very lucky that I’m alive.” Nobody was injured in the incident. Cops were hunting for the suspect, who fled north in a white shirt, Thursday afternoon. RESOURCE LINK

ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – In a unanimous decision, the Athens City Council voted Monday to refer an ordinance that would dismantle the city’s towing regulations back to committee. The ordinance would have eliminated regulations that set towing fees and the process for tow truck operators to get a license from the city. The council was set for a final vote on the ordinance when Council Member Alan Swank made a motion to refer it back to committee for more discussion. The city hasn’t enforced its towing regulations for many years and has instead deferred to the state to set rates and license operators. One of the reasons Swank said he made his motion is to give people the opportunity to complain about towing locally. “If you get towed here locally … and you have a problem, perhaps it was an illegal tow,” Swank said, “who are you going to call?” Right now, Athens residents who want to complain about a tow have to contact the state Public Utilities Commission of Ohio in Columbus. Council Member Solveig Spjeldnes said she believes the council needs to do a better job protecting the public. She said she has heard people complain about bad experiences with towing but said many are afraid to come forward with these complaints. Swank has suggested the city put out a bid for towing operations within city limits. Whoever wins the bid would become the official tower for the city for a certain period of time. When researching the issue, Swank said he discovered some communities put out for bid their towing operations for tows from public property. PUCO sets maximum rates for tows from private property, which is $129 for passenger vehicles. But cities can set their own rates for tows from public property. The rate set by the city of Athens in 2002 is $50 and hasn’t been changed since. “The point has been made that we can’t charge what we currently have on the books because nobody will tow,” Swank said. “If we find out that we can actually have cars towed for less than $129, thus saving all of you money, maybe that’s a good thing.” Community activist Damon Krane expressed his concern for what he thinks the proposed ordinance represented. “The ordinance has never been about creating good public policy that’s in the best interest of city residents,” Krane told the council. “Instead it has been about trying to protect city administrators from being held accountable for not doing their jobs.” RESOURCE LINK

Huntsville Driver Charged In Toronto Crash A 25 year old Huntsville motorist faces several charges after a crash on Highway 400 in Toronto Thursday afternoon. OPP say a vehicle speeding on the shoulder on the southbound lanes near Finch Avenue, collided with the back of a heavy tow truck that was assisting another vehicle. There were no injuries reported. The male driver faces charges of careless driving and failing to move over for an emergency vehicle.

ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) -Two men are dead after a crash in Midland County Wednesday morning. Jose Castillo was driving a tow truck and towed unit south on SH 349 approaching the CR 140 intersection. James Featherston was traveling east on CR 140 approaching the SH 349 intersection. Featherston failed to yield the right of way at the stop intersection to Castillo. Castillo hit the driver’s side of Featherston. The vehicles came to a rest in the east ditch of SH 349. Castillo’s vehicle completely and the front end of Featherston’s vehicle burned. RESOURCE LINK

Klamath Falls tow truck driver dead; struck by car on 140 The following is a press release from the Oregon State Police. KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - On Friday, July 29, 2022, at approximately 2:13 A.M., Oregon State Police Troopers and emergency personnel responded to a report of a pedestrian struck on State Route 140 near milepost 49. A Ford F-150 was traveling eastbound on State Route 140 when it struck a tow truck operator, who was outside of his tow truck retrieving a vehicle from the side of the highway. The tow truck operator, identified as Spencer Hughes (32) of Klamath Falls, was transported by ambulance but died en route. The investigation is ongoing. The Oregon State Police was assisted on the scene by Rocky Point Fire. RESOURCE LINK

Cambrian student killed in Dhaka road accident A 17-year-old student on a motorcycle was killed on Thursday night after police said one of their tow trucks, also called wreckers, ran over him in the capital’s Gulistan. The deceased, Mahatab Ahmed Tahsin, a class X student of Cambrian School and College’s Keraniganj branch, is from Lohajang, Munshiganj. He lived with his family in Dhaka’s Wari. The hit-and-run crash happened in front of the Paltan Maidan Outer Stadium at about 9:30pm as a tow truck of police crushed Tahsin under its wheels, Dhaka Medical College Hospital Police Outpost in-charge Bachchu Miah said. The critically injured Tahsin was rushed to DMCH where he was declared dead at about 10:00pm. His sister Sabiha Jannat Arpa said: ‘I heard that a wrecker of the police ran over my brother in front of the stadium and sped away.’ Tahsin’s body was kept at the DMCH morgue for autopsy, Bachchu said. https://www.newagebd.net/article/177066/cambrian-student-killed-in-dhaka-road-accident

Tow truck driver killed on Pa. Turnpike Tow truck driver killed when truck falls on him on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Somerset County SOMERSET, Pa. — A tow truck driver has died after a truck he was preparing to tow fell on him and killed him. The incident happened a little after 12:05 a.m. Wednesday in the westbound lanes of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, about 7 miles west of Somerset. The eastbound lanes were closed between the New Stanton and Breezewood exits and all lanes were closed between Somerset and Donegal following the incident. The identities of the people involved have not been released. RESOURCE LINK UPDATE: The Tow Truck Operator is reported as being with Herring Motor out of Somerset, PA. There are no further details at this time. UPDATE: Somerset tow truck operator killed on turnpike A 26-year-old Somerset Herring Motor Co. driver died in a tragic accident early Wednesday while he was securing a truck for a tow during a service call on the Pennsylvania Turnpike about 7 miles west of Somerset. Thomas Hoket, of Johnstown, was pronounced deceased at 1:34 a.m. at the scene by Somerset Deputy Coroner Alexis Lichty. Somerset County Coroner Cullen Swank said an autopsy to determine cause of death was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. According to Col. Matthew Johnston, turnpike communications officer, the incident is not considered a crash, but is referred to as a death investigation by the state police. The investigation is being performed by Trooper Sondra Haberl of the Somerset State Police Barracks. "It is very, very tragic," Johnston said. RESOURCE LINK Thomas Hoket was a USMC Marine and leaves behind a wife being newlywed within the past year. Thomas Michael Hoket January 24, 1996 ~ July 27, 2022 (age 26) Obituary Thomas Michael Hoket, 26, of Johnstown, died July 27, 2022 in Somerset. Born January 24, 1996 in Somerset, he is the son of Tammy Halle and her boyfriend Kenny Wyant and Terry Hoket all of Somerset. Also survived by his wife the former Brenda Jean Rasmussen to whom he was married one year, and brother Steven Hoket of Somerset. Tom was a 2014 graduate of Somerset High School, he was a US Marine Corps. Veteran, and was currently working for Herring Motors as a tow truck operator. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, hunting, and spending time with his family. Friends received 9-11 a.m. Monday at the Hauger-Zeigler Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Somerset, where a service will immediately follow at 11 a.m with Reverend Kevin Davis officiating. Interment Somerset County Memorial Park.In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Somerset County Honor Guard 139 W. Union St. Somerset, PA 15501. Military graveside rites accorded by the Somerset County Honor Guard. To leave a condolence please visit www.haugerzeigler.com https://www.haugerzeigler.com/obituary/Thomas-Hoket Herring Motors released the following statement on July 28th, 2022: Being a tow truck operator is a very dangerous job; we pray for everyone in our Herring family every day, knowing the situations they are faced with. Over the past 24 hours, we have been grieving the loss of one of our own and trying to say the right words has been difficult. Our hearts are extremely heavy over the loss of Tom, who passed away in a tragic accident yesterday, while working on the PA Turnpike. Tom was a hard worker and dedicated to his job. He was a friendly guy, talked to everyone, and always had a smile on his face. While we are mourning the loss of our friend, our family, we ask that you please keep Tom’s family in your prayers, as well as the staff at Herring Motor. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us offering support and love. To our customers: We will be running a limited staff on Monday, August 1st, so we can be with Tom's family. Thank you for your understanding. Brenda Hoket wife of Thomas Hoket posted: What I would do to have you back home and In my arms, I would of never thought I would loose you so soon. You were my rock you helped me so much become the person I am,I know your yelling down at me telling me to eat and not to be upset but with you not being here is one of the hardest things I have ever felt in my life I want this to be a dream and I wake up with you beside me. I just want my husband back.

West Monroe traffic leads to fatal crash WEST MONROE, La. (KTVE/KARD) — On July 20, 2022, at 4:25 PM, the West Monroe Police Department responded to a crash involving six vehicles on Interstate 20 eastbound near Thomas Road. According to officers, the investigation determined that a tow truck, driven by 24-year-old John Thomas Garrett II, struck two vehicles that either stopped or slowed due to traffic congestion. As a result, 68-year-old Judy Cupit Clark, who was driving a 2015 Nissan Altima, died from her injuries. Routine toxicology is pending and the crash remains under investigation. RESOURCE LINK

Man killed in fiery North Fort Myers dump truck crash NORTH FORT MYERS, Fla. – A 19-year-old Lehigh Acres man died in a crash involving a tow truck and a dump truck Monday morning in North Fort Myers. The crash happened around 8 a.m. near Del Prado Boulevard. According to investigators, a tow truck traveling east on Mellow Drive crossed over the center line and made contact with an approaching dump truck hauling dirt. The dump truck overturned and caught fire. The driver of the dump truck died. RESOURCE LINK

A man was shot after reportedly confronting a tow truck driver in the parking lot of an apartment complex in northwest Harris County, the sheriff’s office says. The shooting was reported around 2:45 a.m. Monday in the 5700 block of W Mount Houston. According to the sheriff’s office, the tow truck driver was towing a vehicle from an apartment complex when a man who did not own the vehicle approached him. Deputies say the man displayed a weapon, and the tow truck driver also had a weapon to protect himself. Authorities say there was an exchange of gunfire, and the man was shot. At some point after the man was shot, one of his family members picked up the gun and started shooting back at the tow truck driver, the sheriff’s office says. Authorities say the tow truck driver ran several blocks away and called 911. The man who was shot was taken to the hospital. The family member and the wrecker driver were both detained, the sheriff’s office says. The investigation is ongoing. RESOURCE LINK

Information with images states the driver is OK and Walked Away with Minor Injuries.

“SUV Driver crashed into the Watergate” https://www.popville.com/2022/07/suv-driver-crashed-into-the-watergate/

Lawrence George King Jr. Maryland, NY Formerly of Cuddebackville, NY Mr. Lawrence George King Jr.of Cuddebackville, NY, died Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown, NY. He was 56. He was born July 11, 1966 in Suffern, NY the son of Lawrence George King, Sr. and Barbara Ruth Morgan King. Larry proudly served in the United States Navy. During this time he deployed across the Pacific onboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). While serving aboard this mighty warship, she was known as the "Golden Eagle" and served as an example of the best our country had to offer, both in equipment and the men who operated it. Larry carried this with him as he left the service and settled with his family in Shelton, WA. Larry spent his last 30 + years living and working in Washington State. He raised two sons, ran two successful businesses, and loved his animals. He was the best tow truck driver you ever saw. He would be buried in his tow truck if he could. Larry was a gifted mechanic, like his father. He loved his parents, his boys, and his terrific grandchildren. Grandpa Larry will be greatly missed. Larry is survived by his beloved parents, Lawrence George King Sr. and Barbara Ruth Morgan King, his younger brother, Richard King, his loving children, Lawrence George King III (wife Felicia), and John Robert King (spouse Sean), his grandchildren, Kadence King, Mariah King, John King, Jr, Keegan King, Jesse King, Aubrey King & Jayne Marie. He was predeceased by his brother, Jimmy King in 1985. Family and friends are invited to visit at the GRAY-PARKER FUNERAL HOME, INC. 100 East Main Street Port Jervis on Monday, July 25, 2022 at 10:00am – 11:00am. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 25, 2022 at 11:00am at the funeral home. Burial will be at Rural Valley Cemetery, Cuddebackville, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation. Funeral arrangements are by the GRAY-PARKER FUNERAL HOME, 100 E. Main St., Port Jervis. For additional information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family please visit www.grayparkerfuneralhome.com. Published by Gray-Parker Funeral Home on Jul. 22, 2022.

Mario Lewis Carrete was born August 21, 1957 in Bakersfield, California to Robert & Patricia Carrete. Mario is joined into the loving arms of our father in heaven and his father Robert Carrete whom passed in 2007. Mario spent most of his years working as a butcher, a family affair. In his later years Mario worked as a tow truck driver doing what he always loved, helping others in need. There was never a person in need that Mario wouldn't stop to help either on the road or in his own neighborhood. Mario is survived by his spouse of 24 years Carol. His Daughter Nicole (Howard) Gonzalez and his 3 grandchildren Alex, Emily and Ben. He also Leave behind his mother Patricia Carrete, sister Raquel Carrete and brother Andrew (Louise) Carrete. His Nephews, nieces and great nephew and nieces as well. Kristofer (Dorthy) Carrete, Krista, Danica & Selena. Vincent (Kayla) Carrete, Tinley & Emmie. Steven Carrete & Leticia. Alexandria (Brandon) Gallardo, Elliana. Mario will be missed by many and leave a gaping hole in the hearts of those left behind. Not a day goes by that he won't be thought about and missed. His legacy of helping others in need will live on through his family and friends. Family and friends are invited to a Chapel Service at Basham Funeral Home Saturday July 23rd, 2022 at 11am 3312 Niles Street Bakersfield, CA. 93306. Followed directly by a graveside service at Union Cemetery at 12pm 730 Potomac Ave. Bakersfield, CA. 93307. Published by Basham Funeral Care - Bakersfield on Jul. 21, 2022. LINK TO THIS OBIT Head-on crash ejected, killed motorcyclist on Hwy 178 BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/FOX58) — UPDATE (6/24/2022) A motorcyclist was killed in a head-on collision Thursday evening on Highway 178 at the Mouth of the Canyon, according to California Highway Patrol. Just before 6:30 p.m. CHP Bakersfield received reports of crash on 178 at Democrat Road, with medical personnel that responded to the area. Upon arrival, CHP determined that a 64-year-old Bakersfield man was riding a 2002 Harley-Davidson motorcycle eastbound on 178, east of Democrat Road. At the same time, a man driving a 2010 Ford Edge was heading westbound on 178, east of Democrat Road at around 35 to 40 miles per hour. It's unknown how fast the man on the Harley-Davidson was going. For unknown reasons, the rider veered left and crossed over a set of double yellow lines, according to CHP. At that time, the rider crashed into the front left side of the Ford Edge. The rider was ejected from the Harley-Davidson and was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Ford was not injured. CHP determined that alcohol or drugs were not factors in the crash. RESOURCE LINK 64-Year-Old Died in Traffic Accident near Democrat Road BAKERSFIELD, CA (June 29, 2022) – A motorcycle crash on Highway 178 claimed the life of Mario Lewis Carrete, Thursday evening. The crash occurred on June 23rd at 6:27 p.m. near Democrat Road, police said. Furthermore, authorities reported that a 2010 Ford Edge and a 2022 Harley Davidson motorcycle were involved in the collision. A Harley Davidson motorcycle traveling east crashed head-on with the vehicle of Yates Brook, driving a 2010 Ford Edge, traveling west. Moreover, police said that Carrete veered left and crossed over the highway for unknown reasons, causing him to strike the Ford. Meanwhile, paramedics arrived and pronounced 64-year-old Carrete dead at the scene due to the extent of his injuries. Both lanes on Highway 178 were blocked for several hours following the incident, but reopened later at around 9:40 p.m. An active investigation into the crash is currently underway. RESOURCE LINK

3 Killed In Toms River Crash Overnight: The crash early Friday morning shut down Lakehurst Road, police said. TOMS RIVER, NJ — Authorities are investigating a crash that killed three people early Friday in Toms River, Toms River police said. The crash at the intersection of Lakehurst Road and Hospital Drive was reported at 12:25 a.m., said Jillian Messina, media relations specialist for the Toms River Police Department. Three people died at the crash site, Messina said. She did not provide any identifying information on the victims as efforts to notify their families were continuing. Toms River Police EMS also responded to the crash, she said. Toms River Police Traffic Safety Officer Terry Warren and the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office are investigating and more information will be provided later, she said. RESOURCE LINK

Taken from a post by Jeff Irr: Last Night the Towing Industry lost a legend. Dan Reynolds’s “The Dan in Jerr-Dan “ the Dan in Danco”. The Reynolds’s family has been dedicated to the towing Industry since before 1972. R.I.P Dan thank you for all you did! Obituary Daniel Leslie “Dan”, Reynolds 74, of Greencastle, PA, passed away Thursday, July 21, 2022, at Doey’s House, Hagerstown, MD. Born June 18, 1948, in Waynesboro, PA, son of the late Victor K. and Mildred (Bowman) Reynolds. He graduated from Greencastle Antrim High School with the class of 1967. He and his wife of 49 years, Darlene (Davis) Reynolds, were married in 1973. Dan was President & CEO at Danco Products, on Cedar Lane in Greencastle. It all began January 1, 1973, when Dan took his assets from the Jerr-Dan Corporation to form Danco Products. It started out as a sub machine shop for local industries, and transformed, with Dan’s leadership, into the successful, innovative, towing and hauling equipment manufacturing company that it is today. He was a member of Cornerstone Bible Church, Greencastle, Potomac Fish and Game, Williamsport MD. He was the former president of Greencastle Antrim Area Development Corporation and a former member of Greencastle Lions Club. Dan enjoyed the outdoors, especially the time he spent working on the family farm, as well as hunting and fishing on the farm. He was a determined man who loved his family as well as his church family and his Danco family. In addition to his wife, Darlene, he is survived by two sons: William Reynolds and his wife, Jamie, Greencastle, and Robert Reynolds, Greencastle; three grandchildren: Jelissa, Zakary and Wesley Reynolds; one great-granddaughter, Journie; two sisters: Joyce Dehart, and her husband, Dennis, Mesa, AZ and Dorothy Deibert, Waynesboro, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Reynolds. A Memorial service will be held at Cornerstone Bible Church, 350 Madison St. Greencastle, with Pastor Jeff Ehko officiating. The service date and time is pending. The obituary will be updated with that information as soon as it is available. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cornerstone Bible Church, 350 W Madison St, Greencastle, PA 17225. Miller-Bowersox Funeral Home, Greencastle, is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.bowersoxfuneralhomes.com.

BREAKING NEWS: Three dead in crash involving tow truck in Toms River A collision between a tow truck and another vehicle claimed the lives of three people in Toms River early Friday, a law enforcement official said. The accident occurred at Hospital Drive and Lakehurst Road shortly before 12:30 a.m. Since the beginning of 2020, Toms River has seen the most fatal crashes in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Friday’s collision makes it 18. There are no further details at this time. Serveral Resources posted the same info.

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - A man was hospitalized after a hit-and-run in Cleveland, according to police. The incident happened at 9:58 p.m. on July 15 on I-77 near Fleet Avenue, police said. A 49-year-old man was loading a vehicle onto a tow truck when he was struck by an unknown car, police said. The car then left the scene, police said. The man was transported to MetroHealth and was treated for a fractured leg, pelvis and ribs, police said. Police said the incident remains under investigation. Resource LInk

Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is expressing “serious concern” after Mississauga, Ont.’s city council approved an 87.5% increase to towing fees for consumers who need a tow to a Collision Reporting Centre (CRC). The City of Mississauga defended the increase from $400 to $750, citing economic factors and hardships facing the towing industry. It also blamed significant travel and wait times for tow truck operators following the province’s implementation of a tow zone pilot project. But IBC argued the fee increase will “burden every driver in the city with additional claims costs until such time as the province decides to regulate fees.” It says the increase was made without justification to residents or consultation with the insurance industry. “Motion 15.3 was passed as part of the consent agenda without debate,” Arthur Lofsky, IBC’s director of government relations and climate adaptation lead for Ontario, said during a contentious council meeting on July 6, when council approved the increased fees. “Council has taken a decision firmly within its control to raise the maximum fee more than 11 times the rate of inflation.” The fees only apply to collision towing, Michael Foley, the city’s director of enforcement, told Canadian Underwriter. The fees are: $400 when the collision tow is to a single location (up from $300) $750 (up from $400) when the collision tow involves a tow to a CRC and then on to a second location. When CRCs are closed, this may involve removal of the vehicle to a vehicle pound facility, overnight storage and a tow on a subsequent day to the CRC. “The increase is also intended to address the increase in fuel costs and other economic factors affecting the tow industry,” Foley said. “This rate does not apply to all tows in the City of Mississauga. Prices for a broken-down vehicle or other types of towing are not regulated by the by-law and may vary between tow companies.” Motion 15.3, “A Motion to amend Tow Truck Licensing By-law 0521-2004 regarding Collision Towing Rates when vehicles are directed to a Collision Report Centre (CRC),” also directed council to “formally identify the concerns of the tow truck industry and request that the hours of operation of Collision Reporting Centres in Mississauga be expanded to better serve the travelling public.” Coun. Carolyn Parrish introduced the motion at the June 22 council meeting. It passed unanimously “without any consultation, debate or staff report,” IBC said in a statement July 13. On July 6, nine out of 10 councillors and Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie ratified the motion. The lone dissenting councillor, Dipika Damerla, asked Foley during the July 6 council meeting whether $750 for a re-tow, or double tow, was fair. “As to the [$750 collision towing fee] and whether it’s a fair amount, I can advise there was no report that came from staff on this,” Foley acknowledged. “But with regards to that amount of money for a tow, we know that tow bills for accidents on the highway are coming in at that or higher. “It’s not beyond the realm of possibility that most accidents that take place in Mississauga that require a trip to the Collision Reporting Centre are going to consume three to four hours of the tow truck operator’s time. And that’s really where we base the [$750 fee]. It closely approximates the cost to the industry for a tow that involves a trip to the [CRC].” Lofsky says IBC “vehemently” disagrees. “If the city believes it’s a fair rate, let’s have a study to explain it better rather than passing it so quickly without stakeholder consultation, including the residents of the city and the insurance industry who will end up paying for these fees and will end up paying these claims costs.” Coun. Parrish said extensive reports on towing have been brought to committees and the topic has been “thoroughly vetted.” However, she acknowledged the reports didn’t speak specifically to the $750 fee. “It speaks to the destruction of the industry; it speaks to the hardships,” Coun. Parrish said. “It speaks to [the towing industry requiring] this increase; otherwise half of them are going to go out of business.” She also pointed to the province’s recently-implemented, restricted tow zone pilot project on 400-series highways in the Greater Toronto Area. IBC says the project is intended to end “first-to-scene tow truck chasing” so that collisions and vehicle breakdowns can be cleared more safely and quickly. “This idea of a central administration from Queen’s Park when we were doing a perfectly good job here in Mississauga is foolishness,” Coun. Parrish said. “And the pilot project on the 401 is causing nothing but traffic jams since it came in, because you have a select number of companies that are allowed to tow up there. We have companies here in Mississauga that are going broke. They used to do a lot of work on the 401 and they can’t work there anymore because they weren’t one of the special ones chosen.” Lofsky countered that the province’s “bold action” will bring more oversight to the towing industry, which has faced increased scrutiny over the past few years for well-documented incidents of violence and fraud in the GTA. “The tow zone pilot is operating all over the GTA and no other municipality is calling for this type of increase,” Lofsky said. “No other municipality has a towing committee,” Coun. Parrish responded. “That pilot that you’ve encouraged the province to bring in, it’s causing all your own problems.” RESOURCE LINK