A disturbing incident in Sunrise, Florida, has raised serious questions about safety practices in vehicle towing operations after a tow truck driver was arrested for allegedly towing a car with a four-year-old child still inside. The case, which unfolded outside a local restaurant, has drawn widespread attention due to the grave risk posed to the child and the conflicting accounts now emerging from law enforcement and the driver’s legal counsel. Authorities say the incident resulted in the child falling from the moving vehicle and sustaining injuries, prompting criminal charges against the driver.
According to police reports, the episode occurred on Sunday outside Bistro Creole Restaurant in the community of Sunrise. The girl’s father had briefly gone inside the restaurant when his vehicle was hooked to a tow truck. What followed, investigators say, was a sequence of events marked by ignored warnings, panic, and a child placed in immediate danger. The tow truck driver, later identified as 34-year-old Sergio Suarez, was ultimately arrested and charged with child neglect.
The case has reignited debate over towing regulations, inspection requirements, and the responsibilities of tow operators, particularly in busy commercial areas. While police describe Suarez’s actions as reckless and negligent, his attorney disputes the allegations, claiming that proper checks were carried out and that the driver was unaware a child was inside the vehicle.
Incident Outside Sunrise Restaurant Leads to Child’s Injury
Police say Suarez arrived outside Bistro Creole Restaurant to tow a parked vehicle while the car’s owner, the child’s father, had momentarily stepped inside the establishment. Inside the vehicle, according to investigators, was the man’s four-year-old daughter. Surveillance footage and witness statements form part of the ongoing investigation into what happened next.
As the tow truck began lifting the car, the father reportedly noticed what was happening and rushed outside. According to the arrest report shared with Local 10 by the Sunrise Police Department, the father shouted to Suarez that his daughter was inside the vehicle. Despite the warnings, police allege the tow truck continued preparing to drive away. The father then struck the driver’s window in an effort to get his attention, but again received no response.
Authorities state that as Suarez began driving off, the father ran after the tow truck in distress. During this chaotic moment, the four-year-old child managed to open the rear driver’s side door of the vehicle. The child fell from the moving car onto the roadway, sustaining what police described as superficial injuries. A witness later told Local 10 that he saw the father pull his daughter out of the road to prevent her from being struck by oncoming traffic.
Emergency services were called, and the child was transported to a hospital for evaluation and treatment. While the injuries were not described as life-threatening, police emphasized that the situation posed a substantial risk of serious bodily harm or death. The emotional impact on the family and witnesses at the scene was significant, with bystanders describing a moment of panic and fear as the child lay in the road.
Man tows car with a 4-year-old child inside😳… Police say Sergio Suarez is accused of towing a car with a child inside on Sunday outside the Bistro Creole restaurant in Sunrise.👀| #ONLYinDADE #News
— ONLY in DADE (@ONLYinDADE) December 18, 2025
*🗞️ The child's father told officers he had parked for about two minutes… pic.twitter.com/DYLDcjBVcC
Police reports further allege that Suarez fled the scene after the incident. He later returned only after officers contacted his employer and demanded to speak with him. Investigators say Suarez attempted to keep the encounter brief by dropping off the father’s vehicle before leaving again. He was arrested shortly afterward and taken into custody.
Police Allegations and Criminal Charges Against Sergio Suarez
Following his arrest, Sergio Suarez was formally charged with child neglect. The arrest report outlines a series of actions that police believe amounted to culpable negligence. Investigators claim that Suarez failed to properly inspect the vehicle before towing it and continued driving despite being alerted that a child was inside.
The report states that this combination of failures created a foreseeable and substantial risk of serious bodily harm or death. Law enforcement officials concluded that Suarez’s actions demonstrated a reckless disregard for the safety of a minor and directly resulted in the child’s injuries. These findings formed the basis of the child neglect charge filed against him.
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In addition to the criminal charge, Suarez was ordered by the court to refrain from driving until further notice and to have no contact with the victim or her family. Court documents reviewed by Local 10 indicate that he was granted a $10,000 bond. The conditions imposed reflect the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident and the potential danger posed by similar conduct.
Sunrise police have emphasized that tow truck operators have a responsibility to ensure vehicles are empty before towing, particularly in public areas where children may be present. The department noted that even brief lapses in inspection or attention can have catastrophic consequences. Officials described the case as an example of how standard safety procedures, if ignored, can quickly escalate into life-threatening situations.
Meanwhile, the child’s father later provided an update on his daughter’s condition, telling broadcasters that she was “good” after being treated at the hospital. While the physical injuries were reportedly minor, the emotional toll of the incident remains significant for the family. Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges or regulatory actions may follow as the investigation continues.
Defense Response and Broader Safety Concerns
Suarez’s attorney has publicly disputed the police account, arguing that the charges do not reflect what actually occurred. According to statements made in court and reported by WSVN, the defense claims that Suarez checked the vehicle multiple times before towing it and did not see a child inside. The attorney stated that Suarez inspected the vehicle three times and even relied on a partner, described as a spotter, to look inside the car as well.
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The defense has suggested that Suarez remains unsure how the child came to be inside the vehicle without being noticed during these checks. These claims directly contradict the allegations in the arrest report, setting the stage for a legal battle over responsibility, procedure, and credibility. Prosecutors are expected to rely on witness statements, video evidence, and the sequence of events described by the father and bystanders to support their case.
Beyond the courtroom, the incident has sparked renewed scrutiny of towing practices and safety protocols. Towing vehicles from restaurants, shopping centers, and other public venues is a common practice in many cities, often carried out quickly to enforce parking regulations. Critics argue that the pressure to work fast can sometimes lead to corners being cut, particularly when inspections are rushed or incomplete.
Child safety advocates have pointed out that young children may be difficult to see in vehicles, especially if they are seated low or lying down. This reality, they argue, makes thorough inspections even more critical. Some have called for stricter regulations, enhanced training, and clearer accountability measures for tow operators to prevent similar incidents.
The case has also raised questions about communication and response during emergencies. Police allege that Suarez ignored direct warnings from the father, a claim that, if proven, would significantly undermine the defense’s position. The prosecution is likely to focus on this aspect, arguing that even if the initial inspection failed, the driver had an obligation to stop immediately once alerted to the presence of a child.
As the legal process moves forward, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when safety procedures fail. For the family involved, the outcome could bring a measure of accountability, while for the towing industry, the case may prompt renewed emphasis on best practices and child safety awareness. The court proceedings will ultimately determine whether Suarez’s actions meet the legal threshold for child neglect, but the broader implications of the case are already resonating within the community and beyond.