Bronx tow truck owner who ordered a fatal drive-by amid turf war faces life in prison

The operator of a Bronx auto body shop who swindled customers and insurance companies faces life in prison after pleading guilty to ordering a drive-by shooting targeting a rival tow truck company.

Christian “Coco” Lugo, 38, took over the Mott Haven body shop Certified Auto in 2019. That's where prosecutors in the Southern District of New York said he inflated repair bills and filed false claims.

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Lugo’s management of the shop took a violent turn in February 2022 when an employee driving an illegal tow truck got into a crash with another vehicle, prosecutors said.

The employee managed to convince the driver to have their vehicle hauled to Lugo’s shop. But workers from a rival towing operation caught wind of the crash, which they believed occurred on their shop’s turf. The crew attacked Lugo’s employee, according to prosecutors.

Lugo then ordered a drive-by shooting in retaliation that killed Gloria Ortiz, 39, and wounded two other people.

He pleaded guilty Thursday to directing the shooting, as well as scamming insurance companies.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Herman said even though Lugo didn't pull the trigger, his actions caused Ortiz’s death.

“He allowed that violent confrontation to occur,” Herman said.

Lugo will remain at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn until his sentencing next year. His lawyer declined to comment.