Following tow truck driver assault, TPD data shows number of A-Day weekend calls to police have increased overall since 2021

It was a much calmer day on the job Wednesday for Tuscaloosa tow truck drivers like Dakarai Woods. "During the Alabama games throughout the season, it is kind of high alert because you never know what's going to happen," Woods said. WVTM 13 rode along with Bambarger Wrecker Services driver Cliff Garron as he picked up yet another vehicle, saying safety is a constant concern. "When we go out to certain areas, we need to be aware of our surroundings from when we go into when we come out," Garron said. "This job is a solo job so we have to watch to watch our own backs."But even that is not always enough. Police say two drivers from Awesome towing were attacked Saturday night on A-Day while towing several cars parked illegally from a Grace Street apartment complex in Tuscaloosa. > > SEE THAT STORY HERE: Tow truck drivers describe being beaten, pistol-whipped during 'all-out brawl' after A-Day gameZiggy Spires is the company owner. "My guys were pistol-whipped," Spires said. "My driver Lee has a stage four concussion my other driver has a concussion. I'm skinned up. My other driver has a bruise or knot on his head where he was hit with something."Lee Averette said the assault was so brutal, he doesn't even remember getting pistol-whipped. "I woke up covered in blood asking questions," Averette said. "I lost a couple teeth on this side. I got a couple marks."While Woods said learning about the assault was shocking, Spires feels the crowds are getting more rowdy."Typically don't expect that on certain games during Alabama games, home games," Woods said. "It's getting worse towing on campus every year," Spires said. "Everybody feels like they're entitled. They want to do what they want to do. It's A-Day weekend they don't have to abide by the rules."Data from the Tuscaloosa Police Department shows the trends in the number of calls they've gotten over A-Day weekend in the last four years. While there were fewer calls in 2023 compared to 2022, the numbers are still higher than what they were in 2021. This past weekend, there were nearly 40 more calls than this same A-Day game weekend last year with one of those calls being for the now recovering tow truck drivers.While Garron said he never hopes to be in that position, he wants the public to remember one thing. "Typically I have protection to use," Garron said. "We're human just like the next person."Charges are expected to be filed in assault against the tow truck drivers from A-Day weekend. >> FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. —

It was a much calmer day on the job Wednesday for Tuscaloosa tow truck drivers like Dakarai Woods.

"During the Alabama games throughout the season, it is kind of high alert because you never know what's going to happen," Woods said.

WVTM 13 rode along with Bambarger Wrecker Services driver Cliff Garron as he picked up yet another vehicle, saying safety is a constant concern.

"When we go out to certain areas, we need to be aware of our surroundings from when we go into when we come out," Garron said. "This job is a solo job so we have to watch to watch our own backs."

But even that is not always enough.

Police say two drivers from Awesome Towing were attacked Saturday night on A-Day while towing several cars parked illegally from a Grace Street apartment complex in Tuscaloosa.

> > SEE THAT STORY HERE: Tow truck drivers describe being beaten, pistol-whipped during 'all-out brawl' after A-Day game

Ziggy Spires is the company owner.

"My guys were pistol-whipped," Spires said. "My driver Lee has a stage four concussion my other driver has a concussion. I'm skinned up. My other driver has a bruise or knot on his head where he was hit with something."

Lee Averette said the assault was so brutal, he doesn't even remember getting pistol-whipped.

"I woke up covered in blood asking questions," Averette said. "I lost a couple teeth on this side. I got a couple marks."

While Woods said learning about the assault was shocking, Spires feels the crowds are getting more rowdy.

"Typically don't expect that on certain games during Alabama games, home games," Woods said.

"It's getting worse towing on campus every year," Spires said. "Everybody feels like they're entitled. They want to do what they want to do. It's A-Day weekend they don't have to abide by the rules."

Data from the Tuscaloosa Police Department shows the trends in the number of calls they've gotten over A-Day weekend in the last four years.

While there were fewer calls in 2023 compared to 2022, the numbers are still higher than what they were in 2021.

This past weekend, there were nearly 40 more calls than this same A-Day game weekend last year with one of those calls being for the now recovering tow truck drivers.

While Garron said he never hopes to be in that position, he wants the public to remember one thing.

"Typically I have protection to use," Garron said. "We're human just like the next person."

Charges are expected to be filed in assault against the tow truck drivers from A-Day weekend.

>> FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

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