Full Breakdown
Tow Truck Driver Arrested After Towing Car with Child Inside
12/18/2025, 7:18:36 AM
Incident Overview
On December 17, 2025, Sergio Suarez, a 34-year-old tow truck driver from Hialeah, Florida, was arrested and charged with child neglect without great bodily harm after allegedly towing a vehicle with a 4-year-old girl inside. The incident occurred outside the Bistro Creole Restaurant in Sunrise, Florida, where the girl's father had parked the car for approximately two minutes. Surveillance footage captured the moment Suarez towed the vehicle while the father attempted to alert him that his daughter was still inside.
Sequence of Events
According to the Sunrise Police Department's arrest report, the father rushed outside after noticing the tow truck hooking up his car. He banged on the window and yelled multiple times, but Suarez drove off, prompting the father to chase the truck. As the vehicle moved, the girl managed to open the rear door and fell onto the roadway. The father ran into traffic to retrieve her, sustaining minor injuries to her arms and right calf. She was subsequently taken to Broward Health Medical Center for evaluation.
Legal Proceedings
Suarez was charged with a third-degree felony for child neglect. During his initial court appearance, Judge Corey Friedman criticized Suarez's actions, stating, “He towed a vehicle allegedly without checking whether or not there was anyone in the vehicle.” Suarez's attorney contended that he had checked the vehicle three times and claimed there was no child inside. However, the judge noted that video evidence contradicted this assertion, as Suarez admitted he did not inspect the vehicle before towing.
Official Responses
The Sunrise Police Department concluded that Suarez's failure to inspect the vehicle and his decision to continue towing despite being alerted to the child's presence demonstrated a reckless disregard for safety. The police report indicated that Suarez's actions created a foreseeable risk of serious harm. Following his arrest, Suarez was released on a $10,000 bond and ordered to avoid contact with the victim and refrain from driving until further notice.
Witness Accounts and Community Reaction
Witnesses described the scene as alarming, with one stating, “I wanted to tear up. I have nieces and nephews; anything can happen. Thank God the little girl made it home safe.” Another witness expressed concern over the towing practices in the area, noting that similar incidents had occurred before. The towing company, All-Ways Towing, declined to comment on the incident when contacted by news outlets.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics have raised concerns about the towing practices employed by All-Ways Towing, suggesting that the company may not adequately train its drivers to ensure the safety of occupants in towed vehicles. The father of the child has not faced any charges for leaving his daughter unattended, as the investigation remains active.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is one that stuck out to me this morning. He towed a vehicle, allegedly, without checking whether or not there was anyone in the vehicle,” — Judge Corey Friedman
- “His actions constituted culpable negligence and demonstrated a reckless disregard for the safety of a minor, directly resulting in injury to the child,” — Officer Kyle Phillip, Sunrise Police Department
The incident has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of towing companies and the need for stricter regulations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
