Police: Tow truck driver struck 14 cars, tree on New Year's Eve

A Des Plaines tow-truck driver accused of striking 14 vehicles in Park Ridge on New Year's Eve is facing multiple criminal and traffic charges, authorities said.

Patrick Worley, of the 1800 block of Linden Street, is charged with damage to village property, reckless driving, operation of an uninsured motor vehicle and 14 counts of leaving the scene of an accident, Park Ridge police said.

Worley turned himself in to police Friday and was later released on bond.

His arrest follows an investigation that began shortly after 9 a.m. Dec. 31, when callers reported a tow truck had struck a tree in the 2300 block of West Oakton Street and left the scene with a tree limb wedged in the vehicle's apparatus.

Worley is accused of damaging 14 vehicles as he drove throughout Park Ridge, police said. Anonymous tips led detectives to Worley, and witnesses later confirmed his identity, police said.

The truck had a Triple A Motor Club emblem on its doors, but the company told ABC 7 it is not affiliated with the truck nor the driver.

"Our initial investigation has found that this tow truck is not one of our company-owned fleet nor is it believed to be one of our independent service providers," the company told the TV station. "We have very specific branding requirements for our trucks, none of which this truck has. We intend to reach out and work closely with the local police to offer any assistance in their investigation."

Worley is schedule to appear in court Feb. 13.