A tow truck driver (31) was arrested on May 15 in Cloverdene on charges of reckless and negligent driving.

According to EMPD spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa, while out on patrol, members of the EMPD Intervention Unit noticed a white Ford Ranger tow truck passing the intersection of Putfontein and Cloverdene roads at high speed.

“Due to this reckless behaviour, the driver of the vehicle forced other motorists off the road and drove into oncoming traffic, placing the lives of other road users in danger,” she said.

“The driver further failed to stop at a red traffic light, nearly causing a collision.”

Responding, officers pursued the vehicle and successfully brought it to a stop.

“When questioned, the driver admitted that he was responding to an accident scene and that his driving patterns are how tow truck drivers normally operate,” said Thepa.

“He was arrested and taken to the Crystal Park Police Station, where charges were brought against him.”

The EMPD has issued a warning to all tow truck operators stating that these drivers are not exempt from complying with road traffic laws.

“We will continue to take decisive action against motorists who disregard the rules of the road and place public safety at risk,” she said.

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