“Caught on Camera: Couple’s Harrowing Encounter with Dubious Tow Truck Sparks Outrage”
An East Bay couple was left shaken and angered after encountering a dubious tow truck attempting to hook their 2019 Toyota Corolla while they were still in motion approaching an intersection in downtown San Francisco. The unsettling incident, captured in a viral video on social media, has sparked outrage and raised concerns about predatory towing practices.
Tow Truck
The couple found themselves behind a tow truck from Specialty Towing while waiting at a red light. Suddenly, they noticed the tow truck’s lights flashing, prompting alarm. Initially assuming the tow truck was targeting a nearby Waymo autonomous vehicle, their unease intensified when the tow truck’s car-latching arm descended and began reversing towards their Corolla instead. Despite their attempts to reverse, they found themselves trapped between the tow truck and a black Honda Civic behind them.
As bystanders shouted and honked, the couple was able to maneuver their way out of the precarious situation when the surrounding vehicles cleared a path. However, their relief was short-lived as the tow truck continued to pursue them for several blocks before eventually ceasing its chase.
Concerned by the ordeal, the couple, whose vehicle registration and payments were up to date, intends to file a police report. Their suspicions were further validated by San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu, who revealed that Specialty Towing had a history of illegal towing practices, including towing vehicles without permission and engaging in fraudulent activities.
Specialty Towing’s dubious reputation extends to severe limitations on vehicle retrieval hours and pressuring individuals to pay in cash. The San Francisco Police Department is urging other victims of Specialty Towing to come forward, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the need for immediate action.
The couple’s harrowing experience serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by predatory towing practices and underscores the importance of vigilance and awareness when encountering such situations.
