San Antonio Tow Truck Incident Leaves Child Unharmed But Raises Safety Concerns

San Antonio’s Frightening Towing Incident: Child Left in Car

In a city known for its warm community and welcoming atmosphere, San Antonio recently witnessed a scary and bewildering incident involving a young child and a tow truck driver. This incident unfolded on the busy north side of the city, and many are still shaking their heads in disbelief.

The Incident Unfolds

It was just before 11 a.m. on a typical Monday morning when a mother, Dolores Bueso, found herself in a situation most parents dread. She had left her car running with its flashers on while she briefly stepped out to talk to a neighbor. In what she assumed was a safe moment, her 5-year-old daughter was left inside the vehicle. Unbeknownst to her, a tow truck from Trinity Towing arrived at the scene, and what happened next would leave the mother in a frantic state.

According to the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), the car was towed legally from an apartment complex parking lot near Blanco Road and West Avenue. However, the drama escalated quickly as Dolores realized her daughter was still in the vehicle when it was being towed away. In a heart-stopping moment, she frantically called 911, hoping for the best.

A Good Samaritan Steps In

Just as panic set in, a good Samaritan named Gilbert Ramirez came to the rescue. He was leaving his apartment when he noticed Dolores’ obvious distress and the tow truck leaving with her vehicle. “I saw the woman screaming for her child,” he recounted. Without a second thought, he offered to help her chase after the tow truck.

“I said, ‘Well, get in the car and let’s chase it,’ but it was too fast,” Ramirez recalled, explaining how he pulled over and dialed the police to report the incident. Thankfully, Dolores was able to keep up with him, and together they rushed to the tow yard to locate her daughter.

Relief and Investigation

After what must have felt like an eternity, they arrived at the tow yard. Fortunately, the little girl was unharmed and safe, having been discovered asleep on the floorboard of the car. The SAPD later indicated that while the tow was executed legally, they were investigating the driver for possible child endangerment.

Dolores had informed the police that she had left the car running and could keep “eyesight” on her daughter the whole time, yet the driver seemed to have acted hastily, picking up the vehicle “without properly setting it in with chains and break lights.” This raises serious questions about the towing procedure and training.

Contradicting Statements

Trinity Towing, on the other hand, denied the mother’s account, stating that the car was parked in a fire lane and that it was off when they towed it, with “no signs of anyone inside or around the vehicle.” They later confirmed the shocking revelation that the child was asleep and not visible to the driver during the tow. In their statement, they expressed relief that the little girl was safe and mentioned that the situation could have ended much worse.

Potential Legal Ramifications

Local attorney Joe Hoelscher chimed in on the matter, explaining that the towing company and the driver might face several legal challenges, including child endangerment. “Clearly some action needs to be taken,” he insisted, highlighting the seriousness of the matter and the fact that the driver had acted recklessly.

A Community Unites

This incident has brought the community together in concern, raising awareness about safety measures and the protocols that towing companies follow. People are relieved to know that the little girl is safe, but are left wondering how such a frightening event could happen in their neighborhood.

While San Antonio is often associated with rich culture and bustling community life, it’s moments like these that bring everyone’s attention back to the importance of vigilance and the unbreakable bond between parents and their children.