Tower Struck 05.16.20 (CA)

[TowNews 61]

 

CHULA VISTA, Calif. — A tow truck driver was in the process of towing a vehicle late Saturday in the 800 block of East Palomar Street in Chula Vista when he was struck by a suspected drunk driver.

 

Officers from the Chula Vista Police Dept. responded to the scene after receiving calls of a traffic collision at approximately 10:44 p.m. Police say the 25-year-old tow truck driver had been struck by a vehicle traveling west on East Palomar Street.

 

Upon arrival, fire personnel and officers found the man lying on the roadway. He was transported to Scripps Mercy with “serious injuries,” according to police.

 

A preliminary investigation found the tow truck driver was stopped in the westbound No. 2 lane of East Palomar and had exited the vehicle when he was struck by a 2001 Toyota 4Runner traveling west. In addition to the tow truck operator, the driver of the 4Runner also struck the vehicle being towed. The 4Runner was found at the scene flipped on its side.

 

The driver of the 4Runner and a passenger sustained minor injuries and were transported to the hospital for medical evaluation. According to police, the driver later was arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

 

The collision remains under investigation by the Chula Vista Police Traffic Division.

 

RESOURCE LINK

[mooresbp 100]

hope the operator will be ok

[rreschran 409]

Update:  The driver was taken out of the induced coma and with guarded effort, he is said to have feeling and movement in his toes after a difficult surgery. While the news report suggests this was a DUI related accident, a source has provided me further details that alleges this was no accident but more of an intentional act against the tow operator as the result of a lawful PPI.  I'll post more if I can learn verifiable details.   R.

Edited May 26 by rreschran
spelling

[rreschran 409]

Today:  From the company's owner, "He was just moved to a rehab center so he can get physical therapy. It looks as if he won't be able to walk and if he is, it will be very limited. He still can't move. We are all also praying for a fast recovery and hopefully one day he can walk again.     

 

Please keep him in your prayers.        R.