Re: Running the Gate (Old Post?)

[rreschran]

Wow and Wow again ... what an incredible hit. I think this was already reported on TowForce when an Oregon vehicle owner/driver used their impounded vehicle to ram the gate and liberate their SUV. I'm glad the tow operator wasn't seriously injured. The news video shows what lengths the vehicle's driver would go and knowingly take huge risk at killing the tow operator. THe secondary gate across the electric/rolling gate had little effect on stopping her. I hope that the security video leads to the arrest of the male who conspired with her to steal the vehicle and they are BOTH prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.    R.

 

https://www.oregonlive.com/crime/2020/02/woman-suspected-of-driving-stolen-truck-into-portland-tow-yard-employee-arrested.html

[TowZone]

 

[GRUMPS The Towman]

About 13 years ago I had a towaway customer come after hours to my yard to retrieve his vehicle. I asked the man for his drivers license and he stated his wallet was in his vehicle. I opened the gate enough for us to walk in ( it is a large swing gate )closed it behind us and escorted him to his car where he promptly changed his demeanor, jumped in and started it. I stated kindly that he needs to come back to the office with me, finish the paperwork and pay the bill before he can drive out. He then told me in so many nice words that he wasnt paying anything and refused to get out of his car. After explaining to him that i was calling the police, I walked back to the gate, walked through it and let the latch swing down like I had when we walked in so the gate would not fly open. I then grabbed my phone from my truck and called the police. while waiting for the police the customer continuously drove forward and back towards the gate and never once stepped out of his car. When the police arrived he stopped the car and stepped out claiming I had locked him in the gate and refused to let him leave. I explained to the officer that he was free to leave whenever he wanted and the gate was never locked it was just latched so it would not swing open but he was not taking the car unless he paid for the tow. After a few minutes of talking with another officer, the first officer on scene walked up to me and told me to put my hands behind my back as I was being placed under arrest for unlawful imprisonment for closing the gate with him still inside of it. I bailed out a couple hours later. To make a long story short, 7 months and about $7500 in lawyer and court fees later the charges were dropped. To add insult to injury, after my arrest the officers let him take his vehicle without paying. Needless to say, I no longer let anyone in the yard for anything. If you dont have your I.D., then bring someone who does.