A Pearl River County tow truck driver was arrested by the Mississippi Highway Patrol Saturday night after he allegedly arrived intoxicated to the scene of a wreck.
An MHP trooper was dispatched to Highway 26 near Windy Hills Farm Road in Poplarville at 8:20 p.m. on Aug. 24 in reference to a single vehicle accident, MHP Public Information Officer Chase Elkins said.
The vehicle collided with a deer and as a result of the damage, the vehicle required towing. Rapid Towing was dispatched to the scene, but when the truck driver arrived, he was allegedly intoxicated, Elkins said.
“It was very apparent,” he said.
The driver, Cody Smith, 26, of Destrehan, Louisiana; was arrested at the scene for DUI. He was also issued citations for driving with an expired license, no tag and no insurance, Elkins said.
A second tow truck from Culpepper towing, had to be dispatched to tow both vehicles, Elkins said.
Billy Thank, owner of Rapid Towing, said the driver has since been fired.
Rapid Towing has been suspended indefinitely from the MHP rotation to respond to accidents, Elkins said.
Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Shane Tucker said the department’s towing list is approved by MHP, and as a result, Rapid Towing will also be suspended from its rotation.
Picayune Assistant Chief Jeremy Magri said the Picayune Police Department operates an independent list, but it does use Rapid Towing. Magri said the incident is under investigation but the company has not been suspended at this time.