LOWELL, N.C.,None — A man trying to tow a repossessed car faces charges after the vehicle fell from his truck and was struck by a train last Sunday.
Lowell police said 41-year-old Nick Petrovic, of Rock Hill, S.C., was charged with hit-and-run, failing to report an accident and improper towing.
Police said that the Lexus 300 was destroyed after being hit by an Amtrak train on Jan. 16. None of the 180 passengers on board the train were injured.
Authorities think the car bounced off the tow hook as the truck crossed the track, and Petrovic didn't have time to hook it back up as crossing arms dropped and the train approached.
Investigators said repo men often don't fully secure vehicles when they are towed because they want to leave as quickly as they can.
[ Train Hits Car In Lowell; Investigators Search For Tow Truck Driver ]