GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — The city of Gastonia plans to fine a tow truck operator accused of predatory towing.
Drivers tell us this happened to them near the venue of a religious event this week.
Channel 9’s Ken Lemon spoke with them and the wreck service operator on Saturday.
He learned that city officials will fine Jack’s Towing for improper signage warning people they can be towed.
A member of the city council says they have no power to control the bill that has some people who attended the outdoor service across the street feeling like their faith was tested.
People came to get a blessing at CaroMont Health Stadium, but they left feeling cursed.
“$1,200? That’s crazy,” said Audra Cline. That’s how much her 17-year-old daughter’s tow bill was Thursday night. “People just don’t have that kind of money.”
Her daughter parked at the Taylor Smith Appliance store a block from the entrance. When she came back, her car was gone.
The ordeal almost made her cry.
“I pray for him and hope something in his heart would change,” said Brooklyn Rolland, Cline’s daughter.
Some people say the owner of Jack’s in Lowell left them praying too. Channel 9 talked to two women who had their cars towed Wednesday night.
“What he quoted me when I called was $1,995,” said Lisa Montgomery, a car owner. “I said you’ve got to be kidding me. I believe that’s predatory.”
“It’s exponentially wrong,” said Diane Leazar, another car owner. “Exponentially wrong is the word.”
Leazar recorded her visit to Jack’s and was told they have to pay $1,200 in cash.
Channel 9 called to talk to the owner about the charges. He told us to talk to his attorney and immediately hung up.
The owner of the appliance business told us he allowed Jack’s to tow cars there because of other problems he’s had with people parking there overnight.
He said he has nothing to do with the prices charged.
VIDEO: New bill aims to regulate predatory towing in North Carolina
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