Police ID Tow Truck Driver Involved in Dispute

One truck driver is hospitalized with gunshot wound after being shot by rival driver, sources say

An apparent turf war between two rival tow truck drivers left one hospitalized with a gunshot wound Monday.

It was just before 10:30 a.m. when a fight broke out between a driver from Mystic Towing and J and Sons Towing at Whitaker and Hunting Park Avenues in the Hunting Park section of Philadelphia, sources told NBC Philadelphia.

On Tuesday Philly Police Identified the alleged shooter as Jose LaTorre.

Witnesses say both men arrived on the scene shortly after a car accident between a GMC Yukon and Dodge Neon and began arguing over who would tow the disabled vehicles. That argument quickly escalated into violence.

"I heard the shot and I saw [the shooter] getting into his vehicle," witness Jack Roth said. "I saw him putting the gun away."

The driver from Mystic Towing was then ordered to get back into his truck and move it out of the way so the other driver could pull away, witnesses said.

"The guy who got shot in the leg then goes back to his truck, moves the truck and then the [other driver] hops in his truck and then drives off," Roth said.

The injured man then drove his truck to the 24th/25th Police District building in Hunting Park and collapsed on the steps of the station, police said.

Officers quickly rushed to help the man and took him to Temple University Hospital for treatment. He was last listed in stable condition.

Staffers for both towing companies refused to talk about the incident, referring us to the police.

Sources told NBC Philadelphia that the towing business has become much more competitive with drivers jumping at the chance to make cash. 


Fan, follow and download: Get the latest from NBCPhiladelphia.com anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and NBC Philadelphia. Sign up for our breaking news newsletter. And, get breaking news delivered right to your mobile phone -- just text PHIBREAKING to 639710 to sign up. (Message and data rates may apply.)

Contact Us