Man Arrested For Intoxication Manslaughter In Irving Tow Truck Driver Death
IRVING, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) – Irving Police said a tow truck operator was struck and killed Tuesday night in the 300 block of West State Highway 183.
Officers arrested Edgar Arturo Zavala-Asturias, 38, at the scene.
Zavala-Asturias, who police say was driving, is charged with intoxication manslaughter/accident involving death.
Tow truck operator Joshua Henao, 22, was on the right shoulder in the process of loading a vehicle onto the wrecker around 7:00 p.m. when the deadly collision happened.
Local tow truck drivers say once again, this highlights the dangers of their job.
"It's way too often in this industry that these tragedies happen," Texas Auto Towing Service owner Joe Baker said. "Just last Friday we buried an employee of mine, Zach Johnson."
"Today is now Wednesday and we're looking at burying another tow brother," Baker said. "It's just too much."
Regarding the Tuesday night tragedy, Baker said, "They're so distracted out here on the streets that they're not making good decisions," Baker said. "Don't make bad decisions, if you drink and get behind the wheel this is what happens."
"It happens very often," Dallas Tow Boys owner Brent Lemmond said. "Especially on the weekends or what not, there's a lot of accidents. I would say several a week. Three, four a week."
Lemmond said all the tow trucks in his shop waiting to be repaired is evidence of this.
"It's preventable," he said. "Don't drink, don't drive."
"There are so many companies out here, not just tow companies, that will come and pick you up and make sure you make it home safe," Baker said. "In the same respect, every other driver wants to do their job and make it home."
At the time of his death, Henao was working for a company AAA contracts with.
AAA released a statement on Henao's death:
This is a rare tragedy and we are deeply saddened. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and associates of the driver for our contract station, Global Emergency Services, who was killed Tuesday, December 10, while providing service to a member.
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information can contact the Irving Police Department at (972) 273-1010.
Tips may be also be submitted to ipdcrimetips@cityofirving.org.