Francisco Gonzalez, 41, San Diego, CA, 01.18.04

[ForgivenOne]

Gonzalez Tries To Stop Truck From Rolling Down Hill

SAN DIEGO -- A 41-year-old tow-truck operator suffered fatal injuries when he was run over by his rig as he tried to stop it from rolling backward down a hill.

The accident occurred as Francisco Gonzalez worked to attach a vehicle to his tow truck in the 3100 block of G Street about 9 p.m. Sunday said San Diego police Sgt. Rey Armstrong said.

Police said Gonzalez grabbed the door and tried to jump inside the truck when it started rolling. He was dragged for almost a block, as the tow truck hit five parked vehicles, Armstrong said.

Gonzalez, who suffered head and leg injuries, died at Scripps Mercy Hospital shortly before 10 p.m., medical examiner investigator Michael Ellano said.