A tow truck driver was handcuffed and cited after trying to tow a box truck without the owner’s permission. Video obtained by MDN captures the incident unfold.
The truck had broken down and when a tow truck from Goch & Sons Towing arrived, claiming officers had sent them. The truck’s owner called 911, and officers confirmed they had never requested a tow.
Police say the driver was told to drop the vehicle but refused. Video from the scene shows the tow driver in handcuffs.
Detroit Police confirmed in a statement:
“Owner did not request or gave permission for tow truck driver to tow vehicle. Individual was cited for solicitation tow and released at scene.”
This is not the first time the company has faced criticism:
• 2021 Freeway Flooding Tows: Drivers complained about high recovery fees after their vehicles were towed during historic flooding. One driver told TV reporters she paid over $600 and was charged extra for using a credit card.
• January 2025 Apartment Incident: Tenants at The Jefferson apartments said they were not properly notified to move their cars before towing. Several residents said they paid more than $800 per vehicle to get them back. Goch & Sons said the job required special equipment and extra labor because of the garage’s low clearance.
• City Contract: Community group New Era Detroit publicly opposed a proposed $350,000 city towing contract for Goch & Sons, calling the company “predatory.”
