On July 27, 2015, in Detroit, Michigan, an African American man named Anthony Deshawn Alexander, known affectionately to his family and friends as "Big Ant," was tragically killed at the age of 23. A driven young entrepreneur, Alexander had established himself in the towing industry by the age of 21, owning and operating his own business called A&A Towing. He was described by loved ones as a dedicated family man who had a close bond with his parents and brothers, often working alongside them.
On the night of his death, he was driving his tow truck near the intersection of Grand River and Schoolcraft on the city's west side when he encountered a situation that would ultimately claim his life.
While driving home after a job, Alexander observed a woman flagging him down near the intersection. Believing she was a motorist in distress who required assistance, he pulled his vehicle over to help her. According to reports given to the police and his family, this act of Good Samaritanism turned into an ambush. As he exited his truck or interacted with the woman, two men appeared and, along with the woman, confronted him. During the encounter, Alexander was shot in the stomach. Despite his severe injury, he managed to get back into his truck and attempted to flee the scene to save his life.
Struggling to drive while wounded, Alexander lost control of the tow truck a short distance away. He clipped a utility pole before crashing into a wall at a Citgo gas station. Witnesses at the gas station reported seeing him climb out of the wrecked truck, stating that he had been shot. Emergency services were called, but he succumbed to his injuries. Police launched an investigation into the homicide, searching for the three suspects—the woman and the two men—who had lured him into the trap. Authorities urged the public to come forward with any information regarding the trio responsible for the ambush, though no immediate arrests were publicized in the initial aftermath of the shooting.
