Chaotic DIY Tow Incident in University Place
In a truly bizarre turn of events, a simple do-it-yourself car tow in University Place, Washington, spiraled into a chaotic scene when a runaway car repeatedly smashed into a local restaurant, leaving a trail of destruction and sparking a hit-and-run investigation.
Pierce County sheriff’s deputies were called to Pho and Teriyaki around 6 a.m. on July 30 after reports of a vehicle plowing into the establishment. Upon arrival, officers found the maroon sedan involved abandoned elsewhere in the strip mall’s parking lot, while the restaurant sustained significant damage. Law enforcement immediately turned to surveillance footage to reconstruct the bizarre sequence of events.
Initial Vehicle Placement and Tow Attempt
Surveillance cameras caught the maroon sedan parked near an AutoZone around 5:45 p.m. on July 29, with the driver telling store employees the car was broken down and that they’d be back to tow it themselves later.
The very next morning, around 3:45 a.m. on July 30, a white Honda Pilot arrived equipped with a trailer dolly, ready for the DIY towing operation that would soon become a complete disaster.
First Tow Strap Failure
After a painstaking hour and a half, the sedan was finally freed around 5:15 a.m., but as the Honda Pilot started moving it across the parking lot, the tow strap unexpectedly snapped, sending the unsecured sedan rolling towards the edge of the lot – a clear sign of the dangers of improper towing.
Undeterred, the driver tried to re-secure the vehicle, but the strap failed again, causing the sedan to roll backward and slam into the restaurant for the first of several collisions, all clearly visible on the surveillance footage.
Repeated Attempts and Escalating Damage
The driver continued efforts to move the maroon sedan, nearly reaching the parking lot exit. Unfortunately, the tow strap failed for a third time, sending the vehicle into the restaurant once again. Each attempt underscored the inadequacy of the equipment and the inherent challenges of towing without professional tools.
A female passenger then joined the driver in a final, frantic effort to steer the sedan towards the exit, but despite their efforts, the vehicle scraped a retaining wall and a curb, adding more minor damage before rolling back into the restaurant for a third impact.
Abandonment and Hit-and-Run Investigation
After a series of failed attempts and escalating damage, the individuals involved completely abandoned the maroon sedan in the parking lot and fled the scene, prompting the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department to classify it as a hit-and-run due to the extensive property damage and their hasty departure.
Authorities have launched an investigation, focusing on identifying and locating the driver of the white Honda Pilot and the female passenger. Surveillance footage plays a key role in the effort to trace the vehicles and those responsible.
Impact on the Restaurant and Community
Pho and Teriyaki suffered severe structural and cosmetic damage, likely forcing them to close for extensive repairs, which will undoubtedly have significant financial consequences for the business, its staff, and its loyal customers.
This incident highlights the risks of DIY vehicle recovery attempts and the potential for unintended consequences when proper safety measures and equipment are not used. Even minor mechanical failures can escalate into costly problems affecting multiple parties.
Lessons in Vehicle Safety
These repeated tow strap failures are a stark reminder of the critical need for proper, rated towing equipment, and the challenges in moving a disabled vehicle highlight how crucial mechanical knowledge and safety awareness are, beyond just brute force.
When dealing with inoperable vehicles, it’s always best to call in the professionals; trained towing services have the expertise and equipment to handle the job safely, minimizing the risk of damage and avoiding potentially chaotic situations like this one.
The University Place incident serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of improvised vehicle towing. A seemingly simple breakdown turned into a costly and chaotic situation, highlighting the importance of professional expertise, proper equipment, and safety protocols. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department continues its investigation, aiming to hold those responsible accountable and prevent similar events in the future.
