Police Arrest City Tow Truck Driver, Accomplice Accused Of Shaking Motorist Down
(CBS) – Chicago police have charged two suspects after a motorist told them a city tow truck driver and his alleged accomplice demanded money for the return of her car.
A 39-year-old woman late Friday flagged down officers in the 500 block of South Columbus Drive and told them a tow truck from the Chicago Streets and Sanitation Department seized her car. She claimed the driver said he would return her car if she paid a "nominal fee" to a woman who was parked nearby – also supposedly a city employee -- according to Chicago Police News Affairs.
After a preliminary investigation, officers arrested the tow truck driver and his alleged accomplice. Charged with felony theft by deception were Chicagoans Lennie Perry, 40, and 28-year-old Arica Perry, police said.
Further details about the alleged shakedown were not available.
A spokeswoman for the Streets and Sanitation Department said city officials are aware of the allegations. The department had previously referred them to the Inspector General's Office.
"Any motorists who are solicited by a tow truck driver for any cash should immediately report it to police," the spokeswoman said.