Stolen tow truck, police cruiser crash

Stolen tow truck, police cruiser crash


Springfield police said a man driving a stolen tow truck caused an accident with a police cruiser this morning. The man in the stolen truck failed to yield at a stop sign and coincidently pulled into the path of the police car, said police spokesman Cpl. Matt Brown. No serious injuries were reported from the accident. The tow truck was apparently being pursued by an employee of Preferred Auto Repair which owned the truck and reported it stolen about one-half hour before the crash.

Jeff Coop said he followed the tow truck after he saw the vehicle pass the auto shop.

Coop said he saw the tow truck pull out in front the police cruiser. As the stolen truck overturned at the intersection of College Street and Scenic Avenue, the driver was ejected. Apparently unharmed, the driver tried to flee on foot. Coop said he chased the driver for about a block before he caught and “choke slammed” him. Although shaken by the wreck, the driver of the patrol car, Officer Mark Riggins, also gave chase and made the arrest, Brown said. A witness on College Street said he saw the tow truck traveling westbound at high speeds and blowing through stop signs. Seconds later, the witness said he saw the same truck travelling eastbound at high speeds and being pursued by another vehicle before hearing the crash. “I heard that big boom and I thought, ‘Oh, he bought it,’” said Clifton Jewell.

A Springfield Police Department spokesman says the tow truck was going about 90 miles per hour when it collided with the police cruiser. The truck was eastbound on College Street. The driver of the truck, Justin Wooliver, was charged late Friday afternoon with unlawful possession of a firearm, first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle (a charge commonly used for a stolen vehicle), and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident. A judge set his bond at $100,000.

When does the ignorance end? Really you stole a tow truck... what were you thinking? I wonder many days as I watch the news and read about it if anybody has a clue anymore. Every day it seems like people are committing dumber crimes. When do you believe this madness will end or do you believe people will keep this going? How many cop shows are on TV showing how they catch criminals. They need to bring back that show America’s dumbest criminals. I mean hello the cop was even after you. So, to all those planning on stealing a car or tow truck remember stay away from cops and look out for them so you don’t hit one!! To the poor officer who got hit, I apologize for ignorant criminals and I hope your okay. To the criminal that hit the poor police officer if you’re going to steal a car or vehicle remember it’s against the law!!!