HN VIDEO: “Duty” tow truck driver contracted with state police arrested after HN alerts troopers of erratic driving, given field sobriety tests when he arrived at traffic stop to tow another vehicle…
HYANNIS – As you will see in the following HN Video, there were some tense moments for HN early Saturday morning when a flatbed tow truck contracted with the state police nearly left the roadway twice on the way to tow another vehicle from a traffic stop.
At one point in the video you can hear me pleading “no, no, no!” as the large truck crossed the fog line heading straight for a utility pole.
HN was concerned for the driver, thinking he may have been falling asleep at the wheel.
At the traffic stop – at about 2:22 AM – on Route 28 near the airport in Hyannis, HN asked the tow truck driver if he was okay. He said he was all set, but something told me things were not all set, so I had a word with one of the troopers.
Troopers gave the duty tow truck operator field sobriety tests and arrested him for operating under the influence.
The driver had been working for Capeway Towing – a very honest and reputable no-nonsense local business – and I knew their management would not tolerate such reckless behavior from one of their drivers.
Capeway issued the following brief statement on their Facebook page:
“Capeway towing has an ongoing commitment to safety and professionalism within our workplace; with that in mind I would like to address an incident that happened with an employee of Capeway towing very early this morning.
On his way to a state police call this morning, our on call driver was observed by Hyannis News driving erratically.
At the scene of the call, state police took our driver into custody for an OUI and we immediately dispatched a new driver.
Thank you to Hyannis News to being alert to this potentially dangerous situation.
Capeway Towing has zero tolerance for any driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol, whether on duty or on call.
The driver in question was immediately terminated from Capeway Towing.”
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HN NOTE: This type of behavior is an anomaly for Cape “duty” tow truck drivers, especially for an established company like Capeway Towing. This incident should in no way reflect poorly on Capeway Towing as their leadership took immediate and appropriate action, sending a very strong message that drinking and driving is not to ever be tolerated. I’m glad nobody was hurt and that driver now has the opportunity to own his behavior and get help. (And it’s also my hope that other local organizations – both private and public sector – would have the same level of integrity, unwavering leadership, and professionalism… and follow suit!)
I am also very impressed with the level of professionalism and integrity from our local troopers on scene who did the right thing and appropriately handled this very unsettling situation.
When it comes to safety, sometimes the most resolute and toughest actions are the kindest…
The following HN Video contains dashcam footage which shows some of the erratic driving, along with what happened when the driver arrived at the scene of the traffic stop…
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P.S. – Today’s Hytown Vignette is brought to you by the Mamas and the Papas… [CRANK IT! ]
