Police contractor accused of taking residents for a ride
A towing company used exclusively by the Mount Pleasant Police Department is accused of jacking up prices on stranded motorists. According to Dr. Pickard Bash, of Cortland Manor, J.C. Automotive charged
News 12 Staff
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Jun 6, 2007, 10:43 PM
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Updated 6,178 days ago
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A towing company used exclusively by the Mount Pleasant Police Department is accused of jacking up prices on stranded motorists.
According to Dr. Pickard Bash, of Cortland Manor, J.C. Automotive charged him $1,045 to tow his BMW approximately six miles off Route 9A.
"You're really at the mercy of the police department who responds to the accident and to the towing company," Bash said. "Owners ... should be made aware of what they're going to be charged."
Thornwood-based J.C. Automotive initially denied requests for comment, but later claimed extenuating circumstances led to the high tow charge.
"Special care was taken for the car to not sustain any further damage than the accident caused. As a result of that, pulleys, dollies and other equipment was used," Manager Charles Re said.
The Mount Pleasant Police Department is investigating J.C. Automotive as well as other contractors it works with dealing with vehicles. The shop faces three misdemeanor charges.
