The Fort Worth Police Department is searching for two suspects, one identified as eighteen year old Julio James Soto, in regards to the shooting of the tow truck driver that led police on a chase to Hulen Mall. The incident began on December 21, close to I-20 and Loop 820 in south Fort Worth in the Timber Ridge Apartment complex, located at 5920 Vermillion Drive.
Police received a call around 11:30 a.m. from the victim of the shooting, a tow truck driver and repo-man, informing them he had been shot while trying to repossess a vehicle. According to the tow-truck driver, Soto and another suspect pointed guns at him while “demanding he stop trying to tow a car,” Fox 4 reported.
The Fort Worth Police Department stated on Facebook that one suspect got into the driver’s seat of the car that the victim had intended to tow, while Soto continued to point a gun at the victim and told him to “drop the vehicle.”
The repo man listened to Soto’s demand, but was shot after he released the vehicle, according to CBS DFW. Officer Buddy Calzada of the Fort Worth Police Department stated, “It was just a very dangerous situation for this wrecker driver. He was shot at multiple times. Luckily, he was only struck once in the arm.”
The victim was able to take pictures of Soto while at the scene. Calzada stated, “The actual driver was able to take photos of Mr. Soto and give us nice clear pictures that we weren’t able to just identify him, but know exactly who he is and that he did do the shooting.”
The police chase began while Soto was driving one-hundred miles per hour towards Hulen Mall. A juvenile female, two other individuals, and a seven-year-old child were all with Soto in the car.
According to KRLD News, police were able to track the car by contacting the “finance company” of the vehicle to activate the GPS. The high speed chase ended at Hulen Mall when Soto crashed into barriers. Police were able to capture the two individuals, and found the seven-year-old in the car. Soto and the juvenile female took off on foot and have not been located.
The two individuals, whose names have not yet been released by police, have no charges against them as of now, but that could change as the investigation goes on. Fox 4 mentioned that “Soto faces four charges, including aggravated assault, endangering a child, evading arrest, and illegal possession of a firearm.”
In a tweet around 1:35 p.m., Fort Worth police stated, “Hulen Mall is secure and open for business.” Police reassured the community that no shots were fired at the Hulen Mall.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Julio James Soto or any tips to convey is asked to please contact the Fort Worth Police Department at 817-392-4576.
Note: This article was updated on January 3, at 7:10 p.m. for corrections and additional information.