Maximilian Gasienica, a 26-year-old suburban tow truck driver from Oak Lawn, has been accused of stealing cars from crash scenes in Lakeview, River North, and the South Loop this year. According to prosecutors and a Chicago police report, Gasienica illegally solicited at crash scenes, misleading drivers about where he was taking their vehicles.
The Chicago Police Department reported that three victims identified Gasienica as the tow truck driver who approached them at crash scenes, even though they did not call for his services. Gasienica allegedly deceived the car owners by falsely presenting himself, providing them with a form listing a fake tow company called “BTA Towing” and an address where no cars are stored. Neither the state nor the city had authorized this towing company to tow vehicles.
After unsuccessful attempts to locate and recover their vehicles, all three victims reported their cars stolen. Gasienica is accused of stealing cars from the 600 block of West Roosevelt on February 25, the 3700 block of North Lake Shore Drive on March 13, and the first block of East Grand on April 16. He has been charged with three counts of theft by deception and three counts of soliciting tows at the scene.
It is worth noting that in March, the CPD issued a warning about a rogue tow truck driver who stole cars from crash scenes in the South Loop. However, Gasienica is not charged in those incidents. In those cases, the thief took the cars without permission and transported them to unknown locations. CPD described the tow driver as a man between 25 and 30 years old.
To prevent falling victim to such scams, police advise drivers to avoid unsolicited tows and to be cautious of “chaser” trucks that appear at crash scenes. It is recommended to contact your insurance company before hiring a tow or roadside assistance service. Drivers are also encouraged to resist high-pressure tactics, verify a tow operator’s municipal license number, and keep a copy of their license plate and vehicle identification number in a secure place for quick access in case of theft.
This article highlights the importance of being vigilant and cautious when dealing with tow truck drivers, especially in vulnerable situations like car accidents. By following these safety tips, drivers can protect themselves from falling prey to fraudulent towing schemes.
