Chaotic DIY Tow Incident in University Place
In an extraordinary turn of events, a do-it-yourself vehicle tow in University Place, Washington, escalated into a dramatic scene as a runaway car repeatedly collided with a local restaurant. The incident occurred in the early morning hours, leaving substantial damage and prompting a hit-and-run investigation by local authorities.
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 footage revealed that the maroon sedan had been parked near an AutoZone in the same strip mall around 5:45 p.m. on July 29. The driver informed store employees that the vehicle was inoperable and that they intended to return and tow it later.
The next morning, around 3:45 a.m. on July 30, a white Honda Pilot equipped with a trailer dolly arrived to tow the maroon sedan. The footage captured the careful setup of the DIY operation, signaling the start of a complex and ultimately unsuccessful towing effort.
First Tow Strap Failure
After an hour and a half of effort to dislodge the sedan, the vehicle was finally freed around 5:15 a.m. As the Honda Pilot began moving the sedan across the parking lot, the tow strap unexpectedly snapped. The unsecured sedan drifted toward the far end of the parking area, illustrating the dangers inherent in improper towing procedures.
Despite this setback, the driver attempted to re-secure the vehicle. However, the strap broke for a second time, causing the sedan to roll backward across the parking lot and collide with the restaurant. This first collision marked the beginning of repeated impacts, captured clearly in 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 eventually joined the driver in a final attempt to maneuver the sedan toward the exit. Despite their coordination, the vehicle clipped a retaining wall and a curb, further complicating the situation and causing additional minor damage before rolling back into the restaurant for a third collision.
Abandonment and Hit-and-Run Investigation
After repeated failures and mounting damage, the individuals involved abandoned the maroon sedan in the parking lot and fled the scene. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department has classified the incident as a hit-and-run collision due to the extent of property damage and the suspects’ 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 sustained significant structural and aesthetic damage, likely requiring closures for repairs. The financial implications for the business are considerable, affecting staff, patrons, and overall operations.
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
The repeated tow strap failures emphasize the need for robust, appropriately rated towing equipment. The challenges encountered in moving the maroon sedan illustrate the complexity of vehicle recovery, which requires not only strength but also mechanical knowledge and safety awareness.
Engaging professional towing services remains the safest course of action for inoperable vehicles. Trained personnel are equipped to handle towing safely, reducing the risk of property damage and other complications.
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.
