EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — Tow truck drivers who show up uninvited at crash scenes in El Paso could soon face criminal penalties under a proposed city ordinance aimed at curbing what some in the industry describe as predatory towing.
The proposal under review would make it illegal for towing companies to arrive at the scene of a traffic accident or incident unless they have been contacted by El Paso police or by the vehicle’s owner or driver. El Paso police say that if the ordinance is approved, the offense would be considered a Class C misdemeanor.
Tow company president Lewis Chacon, said the change is needed to address what he called “predatory towing.”
“The ordinance is going to be beneficial for the citizens of El Paso because what’s going on now, I refer to as predatory towing,” Chacon said.
Chacon alleged some tow operators monitor police activity and rush to scenes before first responders, then pressure drivers into decisions while they are still shaken up.
He said the proposed ordinance would shift towing at crash scenes to vetted providers dispatched through police.
“With the ordinance, police call vetted, licensed providers. Everything is upfront, clear, and regulated. Rates are controlled. Vehicles are safe, and citizens are protected,” Chacon said.
Tiffany Menn, president of Pronto Body Shop, said drivers can be especially vulnerable immediately after a crash.
“A lot of times the customer has just been in an accident, they’re frazzled, and the tow trucks are saying ‘Let me take it to a body shop I recommend,’” Menn said.
Menn said that can sometimes lead to unexpected fees for storage or vehicle release.
Destiny Venecia reports on El Paso considers ordinance barring unsolicited tow trucks from crash scenes (Credit: KFOX14)
Some El Paso residents said they have experienced confusion when tow trucks arrive without being called.
Ricardo Vicencio said he remembers being unsure where his vehicle was being taken.
“I remember a tow truck showing up and not really being sure where my car was going to go it was a little concerning in the moment,” Vicencio said.
El Paso police Executive Assistant Chief Victor Saruda said the goal is to protect people involved in crashes and reduce the risk of additional incidents at accident scenes.
“Our goal is to make sure that victims can make a good choice regarding what they’re agreeing to whenever an individual needs their vehicle towed. This ordinance is about protecting the victim and preventing other accidents from occurring,” Saruda said.
Chacon also described a case he said involved an elderly customer who was overcharged.
“We had a customer, an elderly lady, taken advantage of by predatory tow operators. We intervened and got her charges reduced from $2,000 to $300,” Chacon said.
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Chacon said legitimate independent operators would still be able to work under the proposed system.
“This ordinance won’t affect independent operators like us. We have enough capacity to handle police-dispatched calls, and it will even the playing field by removing bad actors. Safer roads, properly regulated towing, and protection for El Paso citizens—that’s what this is about,” he said.
Some residents said they support the proposal. Carla Miranda said, “I think that’s a great idea, anything to make the city safer and better.”
The proposal remains under review.
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