Summary: Video and witness accounts say tow-truck driver David Satterfield hooked and briefly dragged a car in Mount Holly, North Carolina, while two women were inside, and allegedly pepper-sprayed one passenger. He was arrested and faces multiple charges including felonious restraint, misdemeanor assault for towing with occupants, property damage and an assault charge tied to pepper spray. A Gaston County indictment lists him as a habitual felon, which could trigger a minimum four-year sentence if convicted. The case remains under investigation and no trial date is set.
Tow-Truck Driver Arrested After Video Shows Alleged Dragging Of Occupied Car And Pepper-Spray Incident
Image Credit: WBTV News - Charlotte / YouTube.
A tow-truck driver has been arrested after video and witness accounts say he hooked and briefly dragged a car while two women were still inside, and allegedly pepper-sprayed one of the passengers. The incident, which was captured on video, took place in Mount Holly, North Carolina, and has prompted criminal charges and renewed scrutiny of local towing practices.
What Happened
According to reports from WBTV - Charlotte and statements from the alleged victim, Joyce Bradley, she was about $1,500 behind on car payments and had offered to make the account current. Bradley and her godmother say they were leaving a Mount Holly gas station when the tow truck, driven by David Satterfield, turned, bumped their vehicle and then attached to it. Video reportedly shows the tow truck dragging the car a short distance while the two women remained inside.
Bradley also alleges she was pepper-sprayed twice during the encounter and that her phone was damaged. Those allegations, together with the video, led to police involvement and Satterfield's arrest.
Charges And Legal Context
Mount Holly police arrested Satterfield on multiple counts, including:
- Felonious restraint
- Misdemeanor assault for towing a vehicle with occupants inside
- Damage to personal property
- Assault related to alleged pepper-spray use
A Gaston County indictment additionally lists Satterfield as a habitual felon. In North Carolina, that designation can significantly increase penalties: a conviction on the new felony charge could bring a mandatory minimum sentence of four years rather than a lighter term typical for first-time offenders.
Background And Broader Concerns
Reporting notes a similar 2022 case in Mecklenburg County involving Satterfield; those earlier charges were reportedly dismissed for insufficient evidence. Separately, the North Carolina Attorney General’s office has highlighted a judgment against Satterfield and his towing business over alleged deceptive trade practices and claims of targeting minority customers. That judgment does not ban him from towing but imposes restrictions on how the company may operate.
State officials told reporters that repeated allegations against some tow operators without lasting consequences are not uncommon. The Attorney General’s office said it will review other tow operators under scrutiny statewide.
The investigation into the Mount Holly incident is ongoing and no trial date has been set. Bradley says she ultimately left the scene safely. The incident, captured on video, has drawn strong reactions from viewers in the region and renewed calls for closer oversight of towing practices.
Source: WBTV - Charlotte and local law enforcement reports. All allegations remain subject to investigation and legal proceedings.
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