A Raleigh community is grappling with a devastating highway collision that highlights the critical dangers of repeat impaired driving on local roads. A multi-vehicle crash early Friday morning left one man dead on his birthday and three others hospitalized with severe injuries. The driver responsible, a local towing company owner operating a commercial vehicle, is now facing his fourth driving while impaired charge after allegedly running a red light while heavily intoxicated.

Setting the Scene

The incident occurred in northeast Raleigh at the busy intersection of Capital Boulevard and Trawick Road. Around 2:30 a.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026, a tow truck operated by 39-year-old Allan Christopher Guerrero of Wake Forest was traveling south on Capital Boulevard. Guerrero, the owner of 6G Towing and Recovery, was driving despite having a suspended driver's license from a prior drunk driving conviction.

North Carolina state records reveal a steep history of driving offenses for Guerrero dating back fifteen years. His previous arrests show blood alcohol content readings far above the state legal limit of 0.08. Guerrero registered a 0.10 BAC in August 2011, a 0.14 BAC in October 2016, and a BAC greater than 0.15 in April 2024. His driver's license was revoked following a subsequent conviction in May.

Here's What Happened

According to the preliminary investigation by the Raleigh Police Department, Guerrero attempted to execute an illegal U-turn or left turn at a steady red light, steering the large tow truck directly into the path of oncoming traffic. The commercial vehicle collided heavily with a passenger sedan and two motorcycles that were traveling through the intersection.

The impact was catastrophic for the oncoming motorists. One of the motorcycle operators, 35-year-old Chandler Hodge, died from his injuries at the scene. Ironically, Friday marked Hodge's birthday; he leaves behind a pair of twins. The second motorcyclist, identified by family members as Hodge's cousin, Larry Pulley, survived the crash but was rushed to a nearby hospital with a head injury and severe damage to his kidneys.

Two occupants inside the sedan were also hospitalized. The driver sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries, while the passenger suffered critical, life-threatening injuries. Following the collision, authorities shut down several lanes of Capital Boulevard for more than seven hours, finally reopening the roadway just after 10 a.m. as investigators collected evidence.

Reactions & Responses

Raleigh police officers took Guerrero into custody directly at the scene, though arrest warrants show the interaction quickly grew hostile. Investigators allege that an impaired Guerrero refused to follow commands from public officers and later caused a significant public disturbance at a nearby McDonald's restaurant after the crash occurred.

Family members shared that while Pulley remains alert and stable in the hospital, he has no memory of the collision that took his cousin's life. Guerrero is currently being held at the Wake County jail under two separate secured bonds that total $500,000.

The Bigger Picture

This fatal collision underscores the dangerous gaps in commercial vehicle oversight and traffic enforcement when chronic offenders continue to access the driver's seat. Despite three previous corporate and state interventions, a commercial operator managed to take a heavy tow truck onto a major Raleigh thoroughfare while deeply intoxicated. For residents in the area, the event marks a terrifying reminder of how vulnerable everyday commuters are to repeat offender behavior.

The Road Ahead

Guerrero faces a lengthy list of charges, including aggravated felony death by vehicle, three counts of felony serious injury by vehicle, failure to stop at a steady red light, driving while impaired, and driving with a revoked license. He is scheduled to make his first court appearance regarding the felony charges on Monday afternoon at the Wake County Justice Center. A separate hearing for the misdemeanor charges is set for August 7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was killed in the Raleigh tow truck crash?

Chandler Hodge, a 35-year-old father of twins, died at the scene of the crash on Capital Boulevard, which occurred on his birthday.

What charges does the tow truck driver face?

Allan Christopher Guerrero faces multiple charges, including aggravated felony death by vehicle, three counts of felony serious injury by vehicle, driving while impaired (DWI), driving while license revoked, resisting a public officer, and being intoxicated and disruptive.

Did the driver have a history of driving while impaired?

Yes. This incident marks Guerrero's fourth DWI charge. He has three prior DWI convictions, including one from last year, and his driver's license was already revoked at the time of the crash.

What is the current status of the bond for the suspect?

Guerrero is currently held at the Wake County jail on a total secured bond of $500,000, consisting of a $350,000 bond for the felony charges and a $150,000 bond for the misdemeanors.