​Tow Truck Driver Remains Hospitalized After Freeway Shooting

Written by AARON CASTREJON 
CityWatch Editor 

COVINA - The tow truck driver who was shot multiple times by a driver on a freeway July 3 remains in critical condition. family and coworkers said.

Jorge Arias Mayen remains in critical condition. The West Covina man in the sole breadwinner for his family. His wife and 15-year-old son are struggling to afford medical bills. A gofundme campaign has been established.

Mayen, a driver for Azusa-based Jan’s Towing, was shot during a confrontation on the right shoulder of the eastbound 210 freeway before the Grand Avenue exit just before 3 a.m. Friday. For unknown reasons, the unidentified driver brandished a handgun and shot Mayen multiple times.

Mayen was on his last call of the night when he was shot, according to uncle Juan Hernandez.

There were passersby who witnessed the confrontation and called 9-1-1. At least one witness reported seeing a firearm brandished. The suspect in a white SUV fled the scene before the California Highway Patrol arrived. Officers found Mayen suffering multiple gunshot wounds, according to Lt. Keene of the CHP.

News stringer video showed CHP officers performing CPR on Mayen.

Additional officers soon located the suspect driving in the area and pursued him when he refused to stop.

The pursuit led to surface streets in the Covina area and it ultimately ended at the Fuel Club gas station, 110 W. Arrow Hwy. The suspect exited the white SUV and brandish a handgun. Officers shot and killed him, Keene said.

CHP officers treated the suspect at the scene until Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics arrived to continue treatment. He was taken to an area hospital and pronounced deceased. He has yet to be identified.

“Our Jan’s Towing family continues to ask for your prayers for our teammate, Jorge, as he remains in critical condition and continues to receive medical treatment, according to Jan’s Towing in a social media statement.

“Over the past day, we’ve been overwhelmed by the incredible love, prayers and support from our customers, friends, fellow tow companies, first responders and our community. Thank you,” according to Jan’s Towing.

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