A tragic incident occurred on the last day of 2020 in Mesa, Arizona, resulting in the arrest of a truck driver who was subsequently placed out of service. The individual in question, Daniel Tobon, aged 58, was apprehended on July 3rd due to an outstanding warrant.
Reports from 12 News indicate that Tobon's involvement in a fatal crash was likely caused by a sudden medical emergency. His truck collided with a residence that housed a total of ten individuals at the time of the accident. Subsequently, Tobon's actions have led to him being placed out of service for deceitfully certifying medical records required for obtaining a commercial driver's license.
We took this video from 12 News YouTube Channel.
Further investigation conducted by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) revealed that Tobon had fraudulently certified his USDOT/FMCSA medical examination report form in September 2020. Shockingly, this was not an isolated incident, as Tobon had also falsified the same form back in September 2018. The US Department of Transportation expressed their concerns regarding these fraudulent actions in an official statement.
As a consequence of his actions, Tobon is now confronted with a total of 15 felony charges. These include manslaughter, aggravated assault, criminal damage, multiple counts of endangerment, and forgery. His arraignment is scheduled to take place on Friday, June 7th at the Maricopa County Superior Court.
This devastating incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining honesty and integrity within the transportation industry. The consequences of fraudulent actions can be severe and far-reaching, as evidenced by the charges faced by Tobon. It is imperative that individuals entrusted with the responsibility of operating commercial vehicles prioritize safety and adhere to all necessary regulations.
The upcoming court proceedings will shed further light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event and will hopefully provide closure for the victims and their families. In the meantime, it is crucial that the transportation industry remains vigilant in ensuring the well-being and safety of all road users.
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