[News] [MA, USA] Tow Truck Driver Allegedly Spit On Transgender Customer In Worcester

[Stephanie Stevens]

CBS Boston, MA, USA

Tow Truck Driver Allegedly Spit On Transgender Customer In Worcester

June 23, 2016 11:13 PM | By Julie Loncich

[Video]

WORCESTER (CBS) – Three years ago Jameson Fernandez was Jocelyn Fernandez. He’ll be the first to tell you the decision was agonizing.

“It’s probably the hardest thing I’ve ever been through in my life, by far,” said Fernandez.

Six months ago, the 30-year-old man legally changed his name, and carries the legal documents daily.

“I’m more shocked because I didn’t think it would happen to me,” Fernandez said.

Jameson’s car broke down on a Worcester side street on Memorial Day.

“My mom always said, ‘keep your AAA card!’” Fernandez said.

The card was in his wallet, but it read Jocelyn Fernandez. Jameson says he notified AAA of the discrepancy.

“I had let them know they hadn’t sent me my card yet. My name is not Jameson on the card,” Fernandez said.

Jameson says the AAA dispatcher assured him there wouldn’t be an issue and even made a note in the computer.

“Things changed once the tow truck arrived,” Fernandez recalled.

A Worcester Police report shows the tow truck driver refused to tow Jameson’s car and refused to let him in the truck.

“From there, he put an array of just discriminatory words,” Fernandez said.

And then, he says, the situation escalated.

“Before I could even get my stuff that I had placed on the side of the truck, he cleared his throat and spit in my eyes, in my nose and in my mouth,” Fernandez said.

Jameson called AAA back. He says another truck was dispatched, belonging to the same company, W. C. Cranston & Son of West Boylston. Jameson turned the company away, again called AAA and this time, Worcester Police.

“I got spit on. I didn’t just get called a name, I got spit on,” Fernandez said.

“I was sickened by it, to tell you the truth,” said Jeffrey Cranston of W.C. Cranston & Son.

Jeffery Cranston says he was notified by AAA and promptly fired his driver, who he says denied everything.

“My grandfather and great grandfather started this company in 1947 and we just don’t have these kind of problems. That’s why it’s upsetting to me,” Cranston Said.

Jameson Fernandez says he never doubted his decision to begin his transition to a man until now.

“I walked in the house with more courage to tell my mom what I was doing after 20 some odd years of life. This one situation has made me question the whole entire process,” Fernandez said.

WBZ did contact the tow truck driver for comment, but never heard back. AAA tells WBZ it will issue Jameson Fernandez a new card with his new name.


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