A suspect has been apprehended in connection with the viral video showing an irate driver hijacking a tow truck that was towing his pickup truck, subsequently causing multiple car collisions. The suspect’s father defended him, claiming that the suspect believed he was being robbed.
Russell Laiosa, 55, faces several charges, including robbery, grand larceny auto, reckless endangerment, leaving the scene of an accident, and 11 counts of property damage for the chaotic incident that occurred in Sunset Park on September 6.
The dramatic video captured the moment the driver exploded in anger as the tow truck driver prepared to drive away with his black Chevy Silverado on 53rd Street between First and Second avenues.
“Dude, put my f–king truck down now! I’m warning you,” the suspect identified as Laiosa yelled at the driver.
“I’m warning you, motherf–ker! Get the f–k away from my truck!” he continued before jumping into the tow truck and speeding down the street with his truck attached.
He then collided with several parked cars before his pickup truck overturned, tumbling onto the street, as shown in the video.
Authorities stated that he went on a brief “joyride” to 55th Street and Third Avenue.
However, Laiosa’s father defended him, asserting that his son believed he was a victim of robbery.
“He said the tow truck was unmarked, the guy made threatening comments to him, and he thought the guy was robbing his truck,” he told The Post.
“That’s why he was adamant about the situation. I’m not saying that justifies what he did, how he responded. But the guy caught him by surprise, and the guy actually threatened him,” he claimed.
He was taken into custody on Monday and has two previous arrests, according to law enforcement.
Laiosa, from East Islip, pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment at Brooklyn Criminal Court.
Judge Jennifer Tubridy set bail at $10,000 in cash.
