- A suspect was fatally shot by CHP at a Covina gas station after a pursuit stemming from an assault on a tow truck driver on the 210 Freeway in Glendora.
- The incident began around 2:50 a.m. Friday when the suspect allegedly shot a tow truck driver during an argument on the freeway shoulder near Grand Avenue.
- The tow truck driver was hospitalized in critical condition; no officers were injured.
- All eastbound lanes of the 210 Freeway at Grand Avenue were closed for investigation, causing major traffic backups. The freeway fully reopened before 1 p.m.
An early-morning assault on a tow truck driver on the 210 Freeway in Glendora escalated into a police pursuit that ended with a fatal officer-involved shooting at a gas station in Covina. The California Highway Patrol is leading the investigation.
Chase and Shooting Unfold in Covina
According to the CHP, the incident started just before 3 a.m. on Friday, July 12, when multiple 911 calls reported a gunshot victim on the eastbound 210 Freeway just east of Grand Avenue in Glendora. Officers arrived to find a tow truck driver suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The suspect had called for a tow, claiming he was stuck and needed gasoline, then allegedly argued with the driver and opened fire before fleeing.
CHP officers spotted the suspect's white Volkswagen SUV traveling westbound on the 210 Freeway. A pursuit began, lasting about 10 minutes, and ended when the suspect pulled into a gas station at Arrow Highway and North Citrus Avenue in Covina. The suspect exited the vehicle holding a handgun, prompting at least one CHP officer to open fire. The suspect was struck and later died at a hospital. A handgun was recovered near the suspect's vehicle in the parking lot.
Luz Cortes, who lives near the gas station, said she initially thought the gunshots were fireworks. "I thought it was fireworks; just thought it was the neighbors, but when I heard, 'bum, bum, bum,' I realized it wasn't fireworks," she said. "I called my son; he said, 'Don't go out; that's gunshots and it could be close.'" Another neighbor described the gunfire, saying, "Because I told myself, it's not fireworks, it is one at a time. And this one was like poof, poof. And I'm like, no, this was a blind shot. This is not fireworks."
Victim and Investigation Details
The tow truck driver, identified as 56-year-old Jorge Arias Mayen, an employee of Jan's Towing, remains hospitalized in critical condition and underwent surgery. According to family and friends, Mayen is the sole provider for his family and was shot and slashed multiple times in the attack. Despite his severe injuries, he was still speaking and asked that someone call his wife to let her know he was injured. The mother of Mayen's child spoke of her enduring faith, stating, "If you have hope, my husband will return home." A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support the family during this time. Authorities have not released the identity of the suspect or the motive for the assault, and it's unclear if the suspect and victim had any prior interaction. No officers were injured. The CHP and Covina Police Department are investigating.
Jan's Towing posted a message on social media saying, "One of our Jan's Towing family members was involved in a very serious on-duty incident. Right now, our hearts are with the employee, their family, our team and everyone affected. We ask that you please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. Out of respect for the family and the ongoing law enforcement investigation, we will not be commenting further or sharing additional details at this time. Thank you for your compassion, your prayers and your understanding."
Bystanders near the gas station described hearing what they first thought were fireworks before realizing it was gunfire, followed by a heavy police presence. One resident said someone at the scene was performing CPR for a stretch of twenty to thirty minutes as officers worked to keep the driver alive.
Traffic Impact on 210 Freeway
All eastbound lanes of the 210 Freeway at Grand Avenue were shut down Friday morning, causing significant traffic delays. Drivers were advised to seek alternate routes. The California Highway Patrol issued a Sig Alert on the freeway west of Grand Avenue. The eastbound 210 Freeway in Azusa was closed Friday morning for an investigation and fully reopened before 1 p.m.
Local California Context
This incident occurred in the San Gabriel Valley, affecting the cities of Glendora and Covina in Los Angeles County. The 210 Freeway is a major artery connecting the Inland Empire to the San Fernando Valley, and such closures can disrupt commuters across the region.
Conclusion
The fatal shooting of a suspect by CHP after a pursuit linked to a tow truck assault highlights the dangers faced by roadside workers. The investigation continues, and authorities urge anyone with information to contact the CHP.