BROOKLYN, NY – A fatal altercation unfolded at a Brooklyn gas station resulting in the death of a 61-year-old man. Local reports indicated a dispute over parking progressed into physical conflict at the Shell gas station on Clarkson Avenue, Brownsville, at approximately 8.45 p.m. on Saturday.
The argument escalated, and the 30-year-old tow truck driver allegedly punched the older man, identified as Carlyle Thomas, who subsequently fell and struck his head on the pavement, according to officials.
A friend of Thomas revealed that he lived close to the gas station and occasionally parked his vehicle briefly at the station. On the night of the incident, another person informed Thomas that his vehicle was about to be towed. When Thomas arrived at the scene and opened the tow truck’s door, the driver hit him, causing his death, the friend narrated.
Dominic Graham, Thomas’ 37-year-old nephew, expressed his grief over the unfortunate loss. Graham described his uncle, known to locals as the “neighborhood boss,” as a well-liked individual who contributed much to his community. Thomas often lent a hand at the gas station, stocking beverages and snacks not as an employee but as a friendly neighbor, Graham shared.
Thomas was transported to Brookdale Hospital Medical Center following the altercation, where he was declared dead at 9:17 p.m. Meanwhile, the tow truck driver was detained at the scene, with charges pending, as per the NYPD.