Tow Truck Driver Hits Robber, Charged With Murder

Police say dead man tried to rob driver, pistol-whipped him
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 2, 2014 12:20 PM CST
Tow Truck Driver Hits Robber, Charged With Murder
Stock image   (Shutterstock)

A tow truck driver has been charged with murder after allegedly running down and killing a man who tried to rob him. Police say Kevin Lewis Crouch, 22, entered a tow lot in Washington, DC, on Tuesday and asked about a car—then pulled a gun and demanded money from the tow truck driver who said the car was not on the lot. The driver, Corey Stoddard, 35, ran, but he fell and Crouch hit him in the head with the butt of his gun, twice. Stoddard then threw his wallet; as Crouch went for it, police say that Stoddard got into his tow truck and ran over Crouch, dragging him along the sidewalk.

Crouch died less than three hours later at a hospital, and Stoddard was charged yesterday with second-degree murder while armed (the weapon? His truck). Both Crouch and Stoddard have records, the Washington Post notes: a carjacking conviction for Crouch and drug charges for Stoddard that were ultimately dismissed. Police initially said a second suspect was involved in Tuesday's robbery, NBC Washington reports. (More weird crimes stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X