Article by Robert Rodriguez – Fresno Bee
The tow truck driver who ran a red light and killed a 22-year-old Fresno woman in a car crash at Friant Road and Shepherd Avenue last month is alleged to have been under the influence of a controlled substance, according to a civil complaint filed by the family.
Police said the crash happened at about 1 a.m. April 12 as John Ashcraft, a tow truck driver with 1st Class Tow, ran through a red light at Friant Road, slamming into a sedan driven by Amaya Chenot, who died at the scene.
Neighbors in the area have seen several crashes happen at that intersection. One resident installed a security camera to keep track of the red light runners and wrecks.
“It was a horrific and terrible accident,” said Warren Paboojian, attorney for Kimberly Chenot, Amaya’s mother. “This intersection has had some terrible accidents in the years past and we are investigating this intersection and the conduct of the driver.”