Sunrise, Florida — A routine evening outside a South Florida restaurant turned into a terrifying ordeal after a tow truck driver allegedly hauled away a car with a 4-year-old girl still inside, leading to the child falling from the moving vehicle, according to Sunrise police.
Authorities say the incident unfolded Sunday evening outside Bistro Creole Restaurant, located in a busy strip mall along West Oakland Park Boulevard, and resulted in felony charges against the tow truck operator.
Child left inside vehicle during brief stop
According to an arrest report released by the Sunrise Police Department, the child’s father told investigators he had parked his sedan outside the restaurant for a brief stop, leaving his daughter secured in the back seat while he went inside for approximately two minutes.
When the father returned, he saw a tow truck driver already hooking his vehicle, which was reportedly parked in a fire lane.
Surveillance video obtained by local media shows the father running toward the vehicle and yelling in an attempt to stop the tow.
Driver allegedly ignored warnings
Police identified the tow truck driver as Sergio Jesus Suarez, 34, of Hialeah, an employee of All-Ways Towing.
According to witnesses and police statements, the father repeatedly shouted that his child was still inside the car, but the tow truck continued pulling away from the plaza.
Investigators say Suarez did not stop the tow despite the warnings.
Child falls from moving vehicle
As the vehicle was being towed away, police say the 4-year-old girl managed to open the rear driver-side door and fell out of the moving car.
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A witness told officers that the father ran after the vehicle and pulled the child out of traffic moments after she fell, preventing further injury.
The girl suffered superficial injuries, according to police, and was later evaluated. Authorities did not release further medical details.
Police track down tow truck operator
Following the incident, Sunrise police contacted All-Ways Towing, a company based in Pembroke Park, and requested that the driver return to the scene.
When Suarez arrived back at the shopping plaza, officers say he dropped the vehicle away from police and attempted to leave again, prompting officers to conduct a traffic stop within the plaza.
He was taken into custody without further incident.
Felony child neglect charge filed
Suarez was arrested and charged with child neglect, a felony offense under Florida law.
In the arrest report, investigators stated that Suarez’s actions demonstrated culpable negligence, citing multiple failures that put the child at serious risk.
Police specifically noted:
- Failure to inspect the vehicle before towing
- Continuing to drive after being told a child was inside
- Creating a foreseeable risk of serious injury or death
An officer wrote that Suarez showed a “reckless disregard for the safety of a minor,” directly resulting in the child’s injuries.
Company and legal status
All-Ways Towing has not publicly commented on the incident as of the latest update.
Suarez was booked into the Broward County Jail, though jail records later indicated he was no longer in custody by Tuesday afternoon. It remains unclear whether he posted bond or was released under other conditions.
Police did not say whether additional charges could be filed following further review.
Community concerns raised
The incident has sparked concern among local residents and parents, particularly regarding towing practices in busy commercial areas.
Authorities emphasized that tow truck operators are legally required to inspect vehicles before towing and to immediately stop if a person — especially a child — is discovered inside.
Sunrise police said the investigation remains active and encouraged anyone with additional video or eyewitness information to come forward.
Reminder for parents and drivers
Officials urge parents to remain vigilant, even during short stops, and stress that children should never be left unattended in vehicles — regardless of circumstances.
Law enforcement also reminded towing companies and drivers that safety checks are mandatory, not optional.
Do you think towing rules should be stricter when vehicles are occupied or parked briefly? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
