An Irish national was arrested Thursday, July 9 after allegedly damaging a tow truck during a road clearing operation in Quezon City, authorities said.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said the incident happened along Regalado Avenue near Dahlia Street, where traffic enforcers were conducting routine clearing operations and spotted a sport utility vehicle (SUV) parked unattended on the roadside.

Enforcers issued a citation for illegal parking and ordered the vehicle to be towed to the MMDA impounding site in Marikina City. After the SUV was secured to the tow truck, the vehicle’s owner arrived and became agitated over the towing, the MMDA said.

Authorities said the suspect entered the SUV and repeatedly drove it forward and backward in an attempt to detach it from the tow truck. When he failed, he allegedly got out, took a hammer and struck the tow truck several times, causing damage.

Barangay officials reported the incident to Fairview Police Station 5 of the Quezon City Police District. Responding officers arrested the suspect at the scene.

The man is facing a complaint for malicious mischief resulting in damage to property.

MMDA Chairman Don Artes has directed the agency’s Legal and Legislative Service to file additional criminal charges and coordinate with the Bureau of Immigration regarding possible deportation proceedings, the agency said.