Zach Johnson, a 24-year-old tow truck driver from Callisburg, Texas, was tragically killed on December 2, 2019, in Lake Dallas, TX. Johnson, who had only been in the repossession business for three weeks, was shot and killed by Barry DeGeorge, the owner of the vehicle he was attempting to repossess. Johnson was known by many as a "gentle giant" and was dedicated to his work, family, and community.
On the night of his death, Johnson was repossessing a car at the Best Western Inn & Suites
in Lake Dallas. DeGeorge, who was staying at the hotel, fired 12 to 13 shots from the third-story window of his hotel room, believing his car was being stolen. Johnson was hit while driving the tow truck and ran into a few parked cars before succumbing to his injuries. Despite efforts to save him, Johnson was pronounced dead at Medical City Denton.
Lake Dallas police arrested DeGeorge at the scene and charged him with murder. DeGeorge, who had a history of assault and evading arrest, was held in the Denton County Jail on a $500,000 bond. The repossession notice was confirmed to be valid, and DeGeorge claimed he thought Johnson was stealing his car.
The tragic incident led to an outpouring of grief from Johnson's family, friends, and colleagues. A last-ride funeral procession was held for Johnson, with hundreds of tow trucks participating to honor him. The incident also prompted Johnson's employer, Joe Baker, to consider shutting down his towing business due to the emotional toll of the event.
In summary, Zach Johnson, a 24-year-old tow truck driver, was shot and killed by Barry DeGeorge while repossessing a car in Lake Dallas, TX. DeGeorge was arrested and charged with murder, and the repossession notice was confirmed to be valid. The incident has had a profound impact on Johnson's family, friends, and colleagues, as well as his employer.
