Full Breakdown
CHP Fatal Shooting Ends Pursuit After Tow-Truck Assault on I-210
7/4/2026, 1:32:08 AM
Incident Overview
At about 3 a.m. Friday, a driver who called for roadside assistance on eastbound I-210 near Grand Avenue shot a Jan’s Towing employee. The suspect fled, leading a California Highway Patrol (CHP) pursuit that ended at a gas station on Arrow Highway and North Citrus Avenue in Covina. When he exited his Volkswagen SUV with a handgun, CHP officers opened fire, killing him. The tow-truck driver was taken to a hospital, critical; no officers were injured.
Timeline
At about 3 a.m., 911 calls reported a fight on the eastbound I-210 shoulder near Grand Avenue. A Jan’s Towing employee arrived and was shot. CHP located the suspect’s Volkswagen SUV; he fled, and the chase ended at a Covina gas station 3:10 a.m., where officers shot him. A Sig Alert closed all eastbound lanes west of Grand Avenue until they reopened at noon.
Parties & Data
California Highway Patrol and Jan’s Towing were the primary agencies. The unnamed suspect driving a Volkswagen SUV was killed; his identity has not been released. The initial victim was a Jan’s Towing employee, confirmed by the company. The tow-truck driver suffered gunshot wounds and remains in critical condition. A handgun was recovered near the suspect’s vehicle. All eastbound lanes of I-210 west of Grand Avenue were closed for about nine hours, creating congestion in the area.
Official Statements & Responses
CHP officers said the suspect exited his vehicle with a firearm and officers discharged their weapons. A CHP spokesperson added the suspect was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Jan’s Towing expressed condolences for the injured employee and family, declined further comment pending investigation, and noted the activation of a Sig Alert to manage traffic.
On-the-Ground Reports
Neighbor Luz Cortes reported hearing gunfire “one at a time,” initially thinking it might be fireworks, and later called her son for safety advice.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Authorities have not released the suspect’s name or motive. Sources differ on whether the suspect pointed his gun at officers before being shot.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When the vehicle stopped, the subject exited the vehicle and produced a firearm,” — CHP officer
- “The party was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced deceased,” — CHP officer
- “Right now, our hearts are with the employee, their family, our team and everyone affected.” — Jan’s Towing (social media)
- “One nearby neighbor described the gunfire, saying, "Because I told myself, it's not fireworks, it is one at a time.” — Luz Cortes, neighbor
What's Next
The CHP investigation continues, with authorities withholding further details pending forensic analysis and additional witness interviews. The freeway is expected to remain fully operational, and Jan’s Towing has pledged support for the injured employee and family.
