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Tow truck driver follows driver with child he thought was drunk

Posted at 11:30 PM, Aug 17, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-18 07:21:39-04

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- A tow truck driver said his conscience drove him to do the right thing.

Tony Martinez said he saw a woman he suspected of driving drunk, with a child in the back seat, so he followed and said maybe he saved a life or two.

Martinez said this is not the first time he's jumped into action by following drivers and calling the police, but he said this case will stick with him.

Martinez owns Pop's Towing company and was driving his tow truck Saturday afternoon, turning onto Belvedere Road, when he suddenly noticed the woman in a car next to his truck.

He said it was obvious to him the driver was under the influence with a child in the back seat.

So he followed the driver as he was on the phone with 911. Martinez said the woman nearly hit a pedestrian and several cars.

PBSO said the woman had a 3-year-old in the car and was so drunk that she couldn't stand when they gave her a sobriety test. Martinez said he hopes others learn from his actions.

She now faces DUI and child abuse charges.