Interview with the Tow Truck Driver
The Irrigator has conducted an interview with the tow truck driver involved in the Fig Avenue incident and Fire Chief Don Armario.
The tow truck driver, who is in his 20s, requested anonymity.
Incident Details
According to the driver, he was called to assist a disabled police vehicle. Upon arriving, he was instructed to steer clear of the area being searched. While navigating, he noticed an individual on a front lawn signaling for help, which he described as common in his line of work, prompting him to stop.
Unexpected Turn of Events
What was unusual, however, was encountering a law enforcement situation where a suspect jumped into his truck. The suspect, appearing to be in his early thirties and unmasked, looked “very scared” and was notably agitated. He requested a ride to a gas station, but the driver, citing his cooperation with the police, declined and urged the man to exit the vehicle.
Crisis Management
The suspect then pleaded to be taken away from the scene, saying something akin to, “I beg you with my life…” The driver quickly recognized that this individual didn’t genuinely need help. As a police vehicle with flashing lights approached, he cleverly redirected the suspect’s attention to the lights in the side mirror, reinforcing that he couldn’t keep him in the truck because he was in contact with law enforcement.
Chief Armario’s Intervention
At this juncture, Fire Chief Don Armario arrived, having returned to the scene after receiving a call from Chief Jon Schali regarding a suspect on his front porch. Concerned for the safety of the tow truck driver, he decided to check on the situation. He initially planned to wait for police support, but his priority was to ensure the driver’s safety.
Resolution of the Situation
Armario questioned the suspect, who claimed he was “trying to get away from a guy with a gun” and showed that he had no weapons. As deputies started to arrive, the driver once again asked the suspect to exit the truck. This time, the suspect complied, with officers surrounding the area.
Reflections on the Incident
The tow truck driver recounted how he remained composed during the incident, recalling his father’s advice to think clearly in tense situations. He reflected on the fact that, despite feeling a sense of disbelief about what transpired, being calm allowed him to process the unfolding events effectively. He chuckled upon telling his wife the previous night that the next day would be a good one, never expecting to find himself in such a significant moment in a small town.
