Getting in a car accident can cause a bad day. However, things can get even worse if your vehicle is stolen from the crash site. A tow truck driver in Florida immediately pulled up to the scene of a wreck. He quickly stole an SUV before police officers arrived. 

Fake tow truck drivers steal an SUV in Florida 

A man in Florida was dealing with the aftermath of a wreck on Interstate 275 near Tampa before his evening got a lot worse. A tow truck pulled up to the scene without being prompted. Drivers, please be aware that if a wrecker shows up without being called, it could be a scam. 

The operator instructed the SUV’s owner to step aside so he could load the damaged vehicle. When the owner refused and said he was waiting for law enforcement to arrive, the operator told him, “he did not have a choice.” 

Then the driver, identified as 23-year-old Abrahim S. Ahmad, hooked up the SUV, claiming it was being taken down the street. A Road Ranger helped the owner follow the tow truck about two miles away to a gas station. 

The SUV owner demanded to wait for law enforcement, but the tow operator refused and had the owner sign a form. Ahmad left again, and the vehicle was later located in Land O’Lakes. 

According to WFLA, he claimed the owner and Road Ranger asked him to move the vehicle. Then he admitted to using police scanners to show up to reported accidents. He claims this is legal to do in Illinois and has a suspended driver’s license. 

He was charged with grand theft auto, solicitation by unauthorized wreck, and obstruction without violence. The tow truck, which was purchased from a legitimate towing company, still had the old company logos and FDOT number on it.