Tow truck driver on admin. leave for refusal of service to Biden supporter
Rivers Edge Towing has placed a driver on administrative leave and is investing in inclusivity and diversity training after a driver refused service to a Biden supporter on Sunday, Nov. 8, according to the company’s president.
The statement comes after a Nov. 9 video re-posted by @claudia_silver7 went viral on Twitter showing an individual who was apparently refused service based on their political views. The truck driver with Rivers Edge contacted through AAA refused towing service to a patron after viewing a sticker in support of Joe Biden on the back of their car.
The incident took place in Goldendale, Wash.
Jason Shaner, president of Rivers Edge Towing apologized for the interaction that the driver had with the young men in the video, he said in a statement sent to CCC News.
“There were words exchanged by both parties and the video shows our driver leaving the scene to de-escalate the situation,” he wrote. “We sent another driver to the scene, who arrived in about 45 minutes. We have placed the driver on administrative leave and will double our investment in inclusivity and diversity training for all employees. We strive to serve everyone with care and empathy and respect.”
CCC News attempted to contact the driver to allow him to respond. Company officials have not released his name.
The original video was released by user @estesnate on the media site TikTok Monday where it was reposted onto Twitter. The video has been viewed more than 1.4 million times and has become controversial for Twitter users as it is quickly spreading around the nation. The video does not show the truck driver refusing service, but AAA of Oregon/Idaho released a tweet that confirmed the story.
“At AAA, we stand for community and for our members. AAA does not tolerate this type of behavior,” said the tweet.
Rivers Edge drivers and vehicles are emblazoned with the AAA logo.
Jennifer Cook, manager of communications for Washington AAA said, “We deeply regret the experience and inconvenience to our members.”
“A new driver was dispatched before the original driver left the scene, and the member was towed to a tire shop,” said Cook
Cook said, “The Rivers Edge Automotive and Towing driver will no longer be working with AAA.”
Rivers Edge Towing is an eastern Oregon towing company with locations in The Dalles and Hood River. It has been serving the public for more than 37 years, handling almost 10,000 calls per year, Shaner said.
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