A viral TikTok out of Oregon shows a tow truck driver for the American Automobile Association, or AAA, apparently refusing to tow a customer’s car because it sported a bumper sticker supporting President-elect Joe Biden.
The driver was working for River’s Edge Automotive and Towing, a Dalles, Oregon-based company that works with AAA, the Oregonian reports. The TikTok, uploaded by user Nate Estes (@estesnate), shows the driver glowering in the direction of the camera and shedding his reflective safety jacket as he enters his truck. Estes and a friend get a shot of the truck’s license plate before the driver takes off.
“Hi, don’t know this mans [sic] name but he refused service to us for our Biden bumper sticker and tried to run us over shortly after this video,” the caption reads.
The video spread quickly online, as many people voiced their concern over the AAA driver willingly abandoning people on the side of the road.
At no point in the video does the driver vocalize his refusal to assist the members, but AAA’s Oregon/Idaho branch appeared to confirm the story Monday when it tweeted about the incident.
“AAA does not tolerate this type of behavior,” the company tweeted, adding that the driver had been “disciplined” by management at River’s Edge Automotive and Towing.
In a follow-up tweet, AAA revealed that it was severing ties with the employee.
“The River’s Edge Automotive and Towing driver will no longer be working with AAA,” AAA Oregon/Idaho wrote. “We deeply regret the experience and inconvenience to the member. We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming experience for our Members.”
In a video update, Estes showed his support for AAA’s decision. Set to the tune of the viral “You About to Lose Yo Job” remix, the video shows a message exchange between Estes and AAA Oregan/Idaho in which the company clarifies its decision to no longer work with the driver.
The video’s caption says it all: “Sorry racist Mike. And there’s more to come headed you [sic] way.”
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