In a harrowing incident that unfolded in the early morning hours of March 26, 2011, a tow truck driver in Memphis narrowly escaped death after being run over while attempting to repossess a 2011 Ford Fusion. The shocking event, which occurred at 7:55 a.m., has left the local community reeling and sparked renewed conversations about the dangers faced by those in the repossession industry. The driver, whose identity has not been released, was in the process of hooking up the vehicle when the situation took a violent turn. Authorities have since arrested two individuals, Brandi Revels, 27, and Nicholas Wray, 34, charging them with aggravated assault in connection to the crime. As the tow truck driver recovers in the hospital, this case serves as a stark reminder of the risks inherent in what many consider a routine job.
The incident began like any other repossession assignment. The tow truck driver, a professional tasked with retrieving vehicles due to unpaid loans or legal disputes, arrived at the location of the Ford Fusion, a compact sedan that had become the target of his work that morning. As he positioned his tow truck and began securing the vehicle, Brandi Revels reportedly shouted to Nicholas Wray, urging him to act quickly. “Hurry up!” she yelled, according to police reports, setting the stage for what happened next. Wray, responding to her command, jumped into the driver’s seat of the Ford Fusion. In a sudden and reckless move, he started the engine and accelerated, driving directly over the tow truck driver, who was still underneath the vehicle, working to complete the repossession.
The impact was immediate and devastating. The tow truck driver, caught beneath the weight of the moving car, suffered injuries that required urgent medical attention. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, transporting the victim to a nearby hospital. Miraculously, despite the severity of the situation, the driver’s condition was listed as non-critical, offering a glimmer of hope amid the chaos. Medical staff continue to monitor his recovery, and while he escaped life-threatening harm, the physical and emotional toll of the ordeal is likely to linger.
Memphis police wasted no time in launching an investigation. Using witness statements and evidence from the scene, they tracked down the Ford Fusion later that day. The vehicle, now a key piece of evidence in the case, led officers directly to Revels and Wray. Both suspects were apprehended without incident and taken into custody. Authorities have charged them with aggravated assault, a serious offense that reflects the intentional and violent nature of their actions. The legal process is now underway, with the courts set to determine the full consequences of their decisions that morning.
This incident shines a spotlight on the often-overlooked dangers faced by tow truck drivers and repossession agents. What might seem like a straightforward task—retrieving a vehicle—can quickly escalate into a life-threatening encounter. Industry experts note that confrontations with vehicle owners are not uncommon, as emotions run high when personal property is at stake. In this case, the swift and aggressive response from Revels and Wray turned a routine job into a near-tragedy. The tow truck driver, though fortunate to survive, joins a growing list of workers who have faced violence on the job, prompting calls for greater protections and awareness.
For the Memphis community, the event has stirred a mix of outrage and relief—outrage at the senseless act of violence, and relief that the victim’s injuries were not more severe. As the legal proceedings move forward, the focus remains on the recovery of the tow truck driver and the accountability of those responsible. Revels and Wray now face the consequences of their actions, while the city reflects on the fragility of safety in even the most ordinary of professions. This story, though rooted in a single morning’s events, resonates far beyond, urging readers to consider the human cost behind the headlines.