A tow truck driver has been arrested on a manslaughter charge after a man was killed in northeast Dallas. The incident occurred at around 3:20 a.m. on Sunday on Shoreview Road. The victim, identified as 67-year-old James Smith, was found lying in a parking lot by police officers. According to authorities, Smith’s vehicle was being towed when he jumped onto the driver’s side. Unfortunately, he fell off the vehicle and was run over, resulting in his death.
Smith’s brother, Larry Smith, spoke to reporters and claimed that they had confronted the tow truck driver, informing him that he was making a mistake. However, the driver continued with the towing process, stating that the truck was in violation. Larry Smith mentioned that his brother had the appropriate parking permits for the vehicle, which had paper tags but the metal plates were not yet installed.
In an arrest affidavit, it was stated that James Smith grabbed the tow truck’s steering wheel in an attempt to prevent the driver from leaving. As the window was raised, Smith’s arm became stuck, and he clung to the vehicle as it rounded the apartment complex and went over a speed bump. Tragically, Smith fell from the tow truck and was run over. The driver did not stop to help.
The tow truck driver, identified as 25-year-old Roberto Padilla Garcia, was later located at the Dallas Auto Pound and arrested on a charge of manslaughter. He was taken to the Dallas County Jail but has since been released on a $100,000 bond. The victim’s family has expressed their anger towards the driver, emphasizing that he left James lying there without offering any assistance.
James Smith, who worked as a custodian in Dallas ISD schools for over 30 years, was described as a dedicated employee. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are determining the appropriate actions to take against the driver.