The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) has charged a 48-year-old tow truck owner in connection with the theft of a vehicle from a collision site.
According to police, on June 24, a collision occurred between two vehicles at 139 Avenue and Castledowns Road. A tow truck operator arrived unsolicited on scene and the damaged vehicle was towed to a storage lot.
But police say the company’s operator did not release the vehicle unless a towing fee payment was provided by an insurance company. The vehicle was later returned to its owner.
This led EPS to launch an investigation into the business practices of the tow truck company owner in late June.
On Oct. 7, police charged Hasan Qasim Al Adhban of Super Towing Ltd. with theft over $5,000.
“Edmontonians have the right to select the tow truck company of their choice when they are involved in a collision,” said Sgt. Kerry Bates with EPS’ Traffic Safety Unit in a news release. “When towing companies show up unannounced to collisions, that’s a red flag. Trust your intuition and call police immediately if a towing company is attempting to move your vehicle without your consent.”
Police have advised Edmontonians to call the seized vehicle section at 780-496-8668 if they believe a tow truck company has taken their vehicle.