Florida Tow Truck Driver Arrested After Allegedly Towing Car With 4-Year-Old Girl Still Inside

FLORIDA — A 34-year-old tow truck driver in Sunrise, Florida has been arrested after allegedly towing a vehicle with a 4-year-old girl still inside, leaving the child’s father running after the truck in panic as it drove away. Authorities say the driver, identified as Sergio Suarez, is facing charges of child neglect without great bodily harm following the disturbing incident captured on surveillance video.

Incident Unfolded Outside a Florida Restaurant

According to officials, the incident took place outside a restaurant on December 14, when the child’s father briefly went inside to pick up food. In that short moment, investigators say Suarez pulled in, hooked up the vehicle, and drove off without checking whether anyone was inside.

Surveillance footage captured the father sprinting after the tow truck, repeatedly yelling that his daughter was in the back seat. Witnesses reported that he banged on the truck’s windows, begging Suarez to stop, but the tow truck continued moving despite his pleas.

Child Managed to Exit the Moving Vehicle

Authorities said that moments later, the terrified 4-year-old managed to open the door and jump out of the moving vehicle, where she was quickly picked up by her father. The girl suffered minor bruises to her arms and legs, but was otherwise safe after being removed from the situation.

Police located Suarez roughly 1,500 feet away, where he was taken into custody without further incident. Officers recovered the father’s car and returned it to him after ensuring the child was unharmed.

Court Appearance and Legal Concerns

Suarez appeared before Broward Circuit Court Judge Corey Friedman the following day. The judge expressed concern over claims that the tow truck operator failed to confirm whether the vehicle was occupied before towing it.

Prosecutors noted that the truck driver “lifted the car and drove away without any awareness of the child inside,” an action they say could have led to far more serious injuries.

Driver’s Attorney Claims It Was an Accident

Suarez’s attorney argued that his client checked the car multiple times, believing it was empty, and said a second employee acting as a spotter also confirmed no one was inside. Despite that claim, investigators say the surveillance video and eyewitness accounts paint a different picture.

The investigation remains active, with officials noting that additional charges could be considered depending on further findings. The child is now safe, and police say the case highlights the importance of verifying vehicle occupancy before any towing action is taken, especially in crowded public areas.