Tow Truck Driver Struck, Killed In PG County: Police

TEMPLE HILLS, MD — A vehicle struck and killed a tow truck driver who was assisting with a disabled vehicle in Temple Hills earlier this week, police say.

Maryland State Police troopers responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in the area of southbound Branch Avenue and Coventry Way at around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, according to an MSP report.

Police believe 63-year-old David Reinerio Pineda Alvarez of D.C., a tow truck operator, had arrived on the scene to help a vehicle with a flat tired when he was struck and left on the shoulder of the road, the report states.

"Investigators believe Alvarez exited his vehicle and began walking up the driver side on the shoulder of the road," it adds. "The suspect vehicle struck the disabled vehicle on the driver side mirror before striking the victim and possibly the tow truck."

The truck had its flashing yellow lights on and was on the shoulder of the road along with the disabled vehicle at the time of the crash, police say.

Alvarez was declared dead at the scene.

Police believe the suspect vehicle is a white or beige Cadillac Escalade, model year between 1999 and 2007. It may have passenger side damage.

"This tragedy also highlights the importance of motorists to adhere to Maryland’s 'Move Over' laws," the report states. "The intent of the law is to provide an extra barrier of safety for police officers, fire fighters, emergency rescue personnel and service and utility workers working along Maryland roads. It is hoped that drivers will become more aware of police and emergency workers stopped along the road and move away from them or slow down as they pass by the traffic stop or incident scene."

More than 17,000 motorists have been cited or warned statewide since the law was expanded last year.