MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Memphis tow truck driver, identified as Phil “Pacman” Guy, is fortunate to be alive after a horrifying and dramatic incident that occurred on the morning of Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the University Gardens Manor Apartments in North Memphis. The victim, Guy, was in the process of repossessing a red 2011 Ford Focus when the vehicle’s owner suddenly jumped into the car, started the engine, and reversed over Guy’s head and arm, all in an apparent attempt to thwart the repossession. The harrowing scene, captured on video by Guy himself, has gone viral, with millions of viewers now witnessing the shocking events as they unfolded.

The incident has shocked the Memphis community, drawing attention to the high-stakes world of car repossessions, as well as raising important questions about personal safety and the use of force in these often-contentious situations. In this extensive article, we will examine the incident in-depth, exploring the sequence of events leading up to the moment of impact, the critical aftermath, and the wider implications of this alarming occurrence.

The Incident: A Repossession Gone Horribly Wrong

It was just after 8:00 a.m. when the repossession drama began. Tow truck driver Phil Guy, a well-known figure in Memphis for his work with local tow companies, arrived at the University Gardens Manor Apartments, a complex located in the northern part of the city. Guy’s job was to recover the 2011 Ford Focus, which had been flagged for repossession due to the owner’s failure to make timely payments. Repossessions, while often tense, are a regular part of the car recovery business, but few could have predicted the violence that would unfold during this particular one.

The Repossession Process: Understanding the Mechanics of the Situation

Repossession is a legal process in which a lender, typically a bank or finance company, hires a third-party service to recover a vehicle from a borrower who has fallen behind on payments. It is a procedure that must be carried out according to strict legal guidelines, and repossession agents, like Phil Guy, are trained professionals who are accustomed to the inherent risks associated with the job. However, repossession agents are also vulnerable to violence, especially when customers react violently to the loss of their property.

In the case of Guy’s incident, the sequence of events was relatively straightforward at first. He arrived at the University Gardens Manor Apartments and, as usual, began the process of hooking up the 2011 Ford Focus to his tow truck. Repossession agents typically hook the vehicle to the truck and begin the towing process before moving on to the next step, which often involves documentation and verification of the vehicle’s status.

Guy was reportedly underneath the car, preparing it for towing, when the vehicle’s owner, whose identity has not yet been fully confirmed, rushed toward the car. What happened next was both unexpected and violent: the owner started the car and, without hesitation, put it in reverse, driving straight over Guy’s head and arm. The vehicle’s tires crushed his head, leaving him trapped beneath it for a moment. Despite the severity of the situation, the car’s driver did not stop to check on Guy’s well-being. Instead, the suspect sped off in a desperate attempt to flee from the scene.

The Shocking Video: Social Media Sparks a Firestorm

The entire incident was captured on video by Phil Guy himself. As he lay on the ground in agony, the video shows the red Ford Focus reversing over him and crushing his head beneath the wheels. The suspect shows no signs of hesitation, continuing the reverse motion without stopping to assess the damage or check if the victim is still alive. In the background, a woman is heard shouting, “Hurry up!” before the driver speeds off into the distance, fleeing the scene of the crime.

The video was quickly uploaded to Facebook, where it gained significant traction. As of now, the video has been viewed more than a million times, with widespread attention from local media outlets and social media users alike. Many viewers were horrified by the brutal act of violence and expressed their concern for Guy’s safety. As the video went viral, many expressed disbelief that anyone would resort to such extreme measures to avoid a repossession.

Immediate Aftermath: Injury and Recovery

Phil Guy was immediately rendered unconscious after the vehicle’s tires ran over his head and arm. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing Guy struggling to stay awake and in considerable distress. The severity of his injuries was evident from the abrasions on his forehead, the large black mark on his sweatshirt, and his apparent struggle to remain conscious. His injuries included a traumatic head injury, severe pain in his arm, and multiple abrasions to his skin, all of which indicated the severity of the incident.

Emergency responders arrived on the scene soon after the attack, providing medical assistance before rushing Guy to Regional One Medical Center, a prominent trauma hospital in Memphis. Despite the life-threatening nature of his injuries, doctors have since reported that Guy is expected to make a full recovery. While Guy’s physical injuries are significant, they are not life-threatening. The mental and emotional toll, however, may be much more profound.

The Suspect: Who is the Car’s Owner?

The identity of the person who ran over Phil Guy’s head has not been fully disclosed by authorities at the time of writing. However, police have confirmed that the suspect is the owner of the red 2011 Ford Focus, and a warrant has been issued for their arrest. The driver’s reckless attempt to avoid the repossession has left law enforcement scrambling to locate the individual.

A key detail in the investigation is the woman heard shouting “Hurry up!” in the background of the viral video. While her identity has not been confirmed, it is assumed that she was an accomplice or a bystander who may have played a role in the events that transpired. The police are currently seeking information about both the driver and the woman, hoping that witnesses or further evidence will lead to their identification and capture.

Tow Truck Repossession: A Risky Job

While many people may view repossession as an impersonal and routine process, for tow truck drivers like Phil Guy, it can be a dangerous profession. Repossession agents face numerous risks while on the job, including physical violence, threats, and harassment. Tow truck drivers often deal with frustrated or angry car owners who may be facing financial hardship and the loss of their vehicles. In some cases, people may go to extreme lengths to avoid having their cars repossessed, as evidenced by this shocking incident.

Industry statistics show that repo agents are frequently exposed to violent situations, especially in areas with higher rates of crime and poverty. The National Repossessors Association (NRA) has noted that repossession agents are among the most vulnerable workers in the United States, with many reporting experiences of threats and violence.

In Memphis, the rate of violent crime has been rising in recent years, contributing to the high-risk nature of the repossession industry in the area. Memphis is often ranked among the most dangerous cities in the United States based on violent crime rates, which further complicates the challenges that tow truck drivers face in their line of work.

Legal Implications: Charges and Consequences for the Suspect

The individual responsible for running over Phil Guy’s head faces a series of serious legal consequences. The act of running over someone’s head with a vehicle is an obvious and severe criminal offense, potentially leading to charges of attempted murder, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment.

If the suspect is apprehended, they will likely face felony charges for the violent and reckless act. In addition, the use of the car as a weapon may result in even more severe charges, including attempted murder with a deadly weapon. The fact that the suspect fled the scene only compounds the charges, as they will likely face charges of leaving the scene of a crime, a criminal offense in itself.

The Future of Phil Guy’s Career and the Impact on the Tow Truck Industry

As for Phil Guy, while he is expected to recover physically from the traumatic injuries he sustained, the emotional and psychological impact of the incident may linger for some time. Tow truck drivers, especially those who work in high-risk areas, often face mental health challenges related to the danger and stress of the job. Support systems, including therapy and counseling, may be essential for Guy as he recovers from this traumatic experience.

For the tow truck industry in Memphis and beyond, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those in the repossession business. The attack on Guy is likely to bring increased attention to the risks faced by repossession agents, and industry leaders may push for better protections and protocols to ensure the safety of workers in the field.

Conclusion: A Shocking Act of Violence and Its Far-reaching Implications

 

The incident involving Phil Guy, the tow truck driver who was run over while attempting a car repossession, has shocked the Memphis community and gone viral on social media. The dramatic video, which captured the horrifying moment of the attack, has sparked widespread outrage and raised important questions about personal safety and the use of force during repossessions. As the investigation continues, the police are working to locate the suspect and hold them accountable for their reckless and violent actions. Meanwhile, Phil Guy’s recovery offers a glimmer of hope amid the terrifying events that unfolded that fateful morning. However, the lasting impact of this incident will continue to resonate in the Memphis community and the wider repossession industry for years to come.