HILLSBORO, Ore. (KOIN) — A tow truck driver was shot and killed Thursday morning during a dispute in an apartment complex parking lot, Hillsboro police confirmed.
Authorities said two tow trucks were moving vehicles from the parking lot to the street a short distance away as crews were preparing to restripe and reseal the parking lot of the complex on SE 44th Avenue. Just before 9 a.m., a disagreement ensued between a tenant and one of the tow truck drivers. It led to yelling followed by gunfire.
“There were disagreements with the tow truck, words were exchanged, there was arguing and yelling and then the shooter did shoot the tow truck driver,” Hillsboro Police Sgt. Clint Chrz said.
Chrz said the tow truck driver — who was later identified as 51-year-old Patrick Ralph Sanford — was shot multiple times and died at the scene.
Officers arrested 42-year-old Matthew Alexander McAdoo. He was booked into the Washington County Jail for 2nd-degree murder.
Residents said they were shocked by the shooting and one told KOIN 6 they knew about the maintenance.
“Why would somebody shoot a tow truck driver over something like that? If they were aware of the maintenance they were doing,” said Michelle, a resident at the apartment complex.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Hillsboro Police Department.
Stay with us as this story develops.