A still frame from a police body-worn camera shows two tow trucks (left) crashing through a Mississauga collision scene last December. (Photo: Peel Regional Police)

Police say two tow trucks that crashed through a collision scene at high speeds in Mississauga narrowly missed striking an officer and a pedestrian who were standing near the damaged vehicles.

In what Peel Regional Police describe as a situation in which the drivers of the tow trucks demonstrated “a complete disregard for public safety,” the vehicles “lost control and crashed through the active police scene” at Mavis Road and The Queensway West shortly after 10:30 p.m. last Dec. 18 before speeding away from the area.

Police said in a news release on Tuesday they believe the drivers of the tow trucks were “racing to the crash to secure a tow” when the secondary collision, which was captured on video (see below), occurred.

Two Mississauga men have since been charged with multiple alleged offences in connection with the incident.

Police said officers and other first responders were helping those involved in the initial late-night crash when the pair of tow trucks quickly — and dangerously — appeared on the scene.

“One tow truck struck a vehicle involved in the initial crash while the other narrowly avoided an officer and a pedestrian,” police said. “Both drivers then fled the scene at a high rate of speed, demonstrating a complete disregard for public safety. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.”

Police added that officers conducted “significant canvassing and located CCTV footage from the vicinity of the crash which shows both trucks being driven recklessly at high rates of speed in residential areas, running stop signs and traffic lights.”

Subsequent investigation by police led to two arrests.

Abdulaziz Omar and Bilal Nofal, both 30 and of Mississauga, are each charged with:

Dangerous operation
Failure to stop after accident
Flight from peace officer
Disobey stop sign — fail to stop
Drive motor vehicle — perform stunt
Tow truck driver — fail to comply with prescribed requirements and standards
Tow truck driver — engage in prohibited practice

Police are reminding the public to report dangerous or reckless tow truck driving. In emergencies, call 9-1-1. Non-emergency incidents can be reported online through Road Watch.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact investigators at 905-453-2121, ext. 1133, or Peel Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.


INsauga’s Editorial Standards and Policies

Last 30 Days: 46,112 Votes

All Time: 1,324,170 Votes

6006 VOTES
Do you think cell phones should be banned at schools in Ontario?

WIN A $100 GIFT CARD

Subscribe to INsauga’s daily email newsletter for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.