Here’s some news we’re happy to report! Last week, we invited KPRC Local 2 news to Safety Vision to share a hair-raising tale of gunplay and survival. Here, reporter Nefertiti Jaquez met and interviewed Edward Wiley, a tow-truck driver, amateur comedian, and father-to-be who is happy to be alive.
During a recent attempt to tow an illegally parked vehicle at a Houston apartment complex, Edward (who drives for Safety Vision client Redlight Wreckers) was confronted by the vehicle’s owner. A profanity-fueled exchange quickly escalated into violence when the vehicle owner pulled a gun and began shooting to kill.
Edward thought “I can’t fight a bullet,” lowered the tow-truck’s boom, dumped the offending vehicle, and beat a hasty retreat–narrowly escaping with his life. Two bullets pierced the wrecker’s cab, one stopped by a small metal plate in the driver’s seat. The fortuitous placement of that plate likely saved Edward’s life.
The incident was captured by the Safety Vision mobile surveillance system aboard the wrecker. While the shooter is still at large, the digital video recording may be used as court-admissible evidence once he is apprehended. We’d enjoy playing a hand in the prosecution of a cold-blooded felon who would take a life before paying a $70 towing fee! Shortly after the shooting, Redlight Wreckers owner Christopher Hoffmeister brought the truck by Safety Vision and reconstructed the crime for us. Sobering to see the bullet holes; clear to see why Edward considers himself blessed.
Meanwhile, Nefertiti–who has been in Houston only a fortnight–is making local news, herself! The Chronicle’s Ken Hoffman called her a smarty pants last Thursday; and “new media TV dude” Mike McGuff, who spoke with her over the weekend about the mainstream media’s use of social media, mused that Nefertiti may be a “big TV star” in the making. If you’re a fan (she had us at “Hi, I’m Nefertiti!”), check out the Flip video and Flickr photo set documenting KPRC’s visit to Safety Vision.
Lastly, we were charmed by the energetic and engaging Edward, whose parting comment was, “You should come out and see me at the comedy club sometime!” We’re glad the curtain didn’t fall on his act: This funny man has the last laugh.
