DALLAS (CN) - Children claim in court that their father was killed by a tow truck driver who refused to stop towing his car, but hit and killed their dad "and left (him) to die in the street."
The late Juan Steele's mother, Mattie Steele, and his children Jonathan and Darla Steele sued tow truck operator Choice Towing LLC and apartment operator Oasis Properties of Texas, in Dallas County Court.
The Steele's claim that during Juan Steele's months-long stay at Oasis' apartment complex, his vehicle was "inexplicably towed" seven times, the last time on July 26. They say signs around the complex indicate Choice Towing was authorized to tow cars from the property.
"When Steele saw Choice Towing begin to tow his vehicle, Steele ran to the parking lot yelling at the tow truck driver to put down his vehicle," the complaint states. "Steele knocked on the tow truck driver's door to get his attention, but the driver continued with the towing process and proceeded to speed off the Oasis premises onto Ledbetter Drive in violation of Texas law.
"In the process of leaving the Oasis property, the Choice Towing driver attempted to speed away, hitting and killing Steele in the process. The driver reportedly slowed down to evaluate damage to his tow truck, but failed to stop and render aid," the complaint states.
Juan Steele was 41 years old.
The family seeks punitive damages for wrongful death and negligence.
They are represented by Jason Gibson of Houston.
Follow @davejourno
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