UPDATE 7/27/2026: On July 24, 2026, at approximately 4:19 p.m., a tow truck operator was fatally injured during an accident in the 9300 block of WW Industrial Drive in La Plata.
The victim, Joseph Louis Skinner, 67, of La Plata, was operating a tow truck and attempting to load an SUV onto the rollback portion of the truck when the rollback unexpectedly began moving forward on its own. As it shifted, the SUV rolled and struck the victim, resulting in fatal injuries. Several bystanders attempted to assist him; however, he was pronounced deceased on the scene.
PFC D. Walker of the Traffic Operations Unit is investigating.
7/24/2026: On Friday, July 24, 2026, at approximately 4:23 p.m., police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to the 9300 block of West & W Industrial Road in La Plata, for the reported rescue incident with a subject trapped.
The 911 caller was Spanish speaking and first advised a crane fell on a subject causing significant injuries with the victim appearing deceased and beyond help.
Firefighters arrived on the scene to find a victim trapped under a tow truck and pronounced the victim deceased on the scene.
Police are investigating the incident. MOSHA was contacted.
No other injuries were reported.
Updates will be provided when they become available.
