ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Florida Highway Patrol troopers detained a 24-year-old man accused of stealing a vehicle from an I-275 crash scene while operating an unauthorized tow truck.
Troopers said the incident occurred around 9:20 p.m. Sunday when a white tow truck from RPM Towing arrived at a crash site where lanes had been partially closed. A road ranger had already shut down the left lane, and a trooper declined assistance from the tow truck driver, who initially left the area.
According to FHP, the tow truck later returned and approached the crash victim directly. The driver allegedly instructed the vehicle owner to step aside so the damaged car could be hooked up. When the owner refused and said he was waiting for law enforcement, the tow truck driver reportedly said he had no choice but to tow the vehicle.
Troopers said the tow truck operator attached the car and claimed he would drop it off down the street. A road ranger later transported the vehicle owner closer to the tow truck and asked the driver to wait for law enforcement. Despite this, investigators said the tow truck driver convinced the owner to sign paperwork before leaving the scene.
The vehicle owner photographed the tow truck and the driver, who identified himself as “Frankie,” troopers said.
After searching multiple locations, FHP located the tow truck at a residence on Red Rock Drive in Land O’ Lakes, Pasco County. Troopers detained Abrahim Ahmad without incident.
During a post-Miranda interview, troopers said Ahmad admitted to using police scanners, towing the vehicle, and having a suspended Illinois driver’s license. He told investigators that using scanners was permitted in Chicago and claimed he was asked by the vehicle owner and a road ranger to move the car.
FHP seized the tow truck, noting that it still displayed old company markings and a Florida Department of Transportation number. Troopers said the same vehicle had been stopped earlier in December for similar violations and the driver had been warned.
Ahmad now faces charges of grand theft auto, solicitation by an unauthorized wrecker operator, and obstruction without violence.
FHP is asking any additional victims to contact the agency by dialing *347.
