How a truck driver kept his head and cheated death
A northern Ontario tow truck driver named Kevin Serre was drawn into a life-threatening situation just for trying to be helpful. Fortunately, Serre was a calm person who thought rationally and no one was hurt.
Serre said he first called police after seeing an agitated man fill his truck with gas at the Watershed Gas Station and drive off without paying. As he followed the man in his tow truck, the driver lost control and hit the ditch. What happened next he’ll never forget.
“I tried to assist him, said Serre. “He had an IED on him ” an improvised explosive device.”
Serre said he phoned police again but the man became erratic. He attempted to steal the tow truck and kidnap Serra to force a stand off with police. At one point he even attempted to attach the bomb to Serre himself as a negotiation tactic. Throughout the ordeal, Serre remained calm and didn’t attempt to escalate the situation.
“I could tell the young man was really distressed. He was sick more than angry. He was really paranoid and stuff, talking about government conspiracies and whatnot.”
Serre said he’s used to dealing with people who are in stressful situations, but he had never experienced a situation like this.
“I love my job, this is what I do. I’m just glad I could help the kid out and that he didn’t hurt himself.”
Police are continuing to acquire information on the man who is currently institutionalized pending psychiatric evaluation and possible trial.