Weather

Severe Thunderstorm Watch expires at 10:00 PM on 5/23, issued at 2:04 PM Comstock, TX | Del Rio, TX | Langtry, TX | Laughlin AFB, TX

UPDATE: Towing company fights $85 maximum fee

Bexar Towing owner arrested for overcharging

John DeLoach of Bexar Towing

SAN ANTONIO - It all started with your complaints to the News 4 WOAI Trouble Shooters about the prices charged by towing companies. Now the latest in the battle over towing fees: the owner of one of the biggest companies in town is arrested over the weekend for overcharging.

Bexar Towing has taken the lead in challenging the city's ordinance. Friday night the company's owner, John DeLoach, was arrested because he was still charging more than the $85 allowed under the ordinance, and he refused orders from an officer to lower his fee.

The 65-year old DeLoach has always been defiant, ever since our hidden camera investigation caught his tow trucks violating state rules last year. Police say Friday night they were called to Bexar Towing's Northeast side location by a car owner who was being charged $293 to get his car back. However, a judge recently upheld the city's towing ordinance, which says towing companies can't charge more than $85.

When officers showed up they were met by DeLoach himself.

“He refused to reduce the charge. At that time he was told if the charge was not reduced, he would be issued a citation and taken to jail, which he agreed upon. At that point he was arrested and taken to jail”, said Officer Matt Porter with SAPD.

DeLoach made bond and was released. Ironically, it cost him about the same amount his company charges for tows, $300. News 4 WOAI received a statement from Bexar Towing’s attorney calling the arrest “a disturbing abuse of power by the city”.

Bexar Towing is still challenging the towing ordinance in civil court, arguing that it violates state law. A trial is scheduled for October.

Print Story

42 Comment(s)

Comments: Show | Hide

Here are the most recent story comments.View All

The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of News 4 WOAI (WOAI.com)

mdramster - 9/2/2012 10:41 PM

0 Votes

Report User

Hey McRoach, I mean McLoach you are not above the laws of the land. And Johnny Gash, I mean Johnny Cash,if u can't afford the maintenance of said vehicles don't take it out on the poor slobs out there, but file your complaints to your local yokel government for all the fees that are imposed on tow truck companies. I think $250.00 is over-kill. I do agree that the rates could be raised $10. to $15.00, but no more than $100. and I still think that $100.00 is too much. Like HST said if u can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen.

btkkiller1 - 8/27/2012 10:37 AM

0 Votes

Report User

if they tow your car or truck and it's this tow company take them to court and get your money back and more that will slow them down on there tracks.

dltyler - 8/19/2012 7:55 PM

0 Votes

Report User

And all a/c cos. are not thieves, right,,,,,,,35 years in the buss. tells me different.......When you are able to make up your own rules and have no one tell you anything to the different, you do what you damn well please..That is exactly what the towing cos. ( the one in question) not all towing cos. are doing. ands that jerk off does not even own the buss. anymore. Why is he still able to say or do anything pertaining to the tow co. , he no longer is its owner......Still wants a piece of someones pie?

ish451 - 8/16/2012 11:45 AM

2 Votes

Report User

Sorry Johnny Cash but if it cost so much to be a tow truck owner/operator, pick a new profession. Cars parked illegally should be ticketed unless they pose an immediate safety risk then I can justify towing a vehicle, but taking someone's car because the meter ran out then holding that person's car for a $300 ransom if almost as low as kidnapping someone's child. No one cares about how much you spend to be a low life.

Johnny Cash - 8/16/2012 9:58 AM

1 Vote

Report User

All idiots who are posting comments dont even know anything about the towing business. Its about $450.00 or more a month for towing insurance, plus another $100 plus for cargo insurance, the cab card certificate is $100.00 a year, your towing license is $75 a year (a year not every 4 years)Fuel is about $200. a day repairs $75 a year continued education. Thats only if you do a CT, not PP or incident management. Dont illegally park and you wont have to worry about getting towed. Communism/socialism at its finest. How can soeone dictate how much to charge for running a business. All towing companies should blow off everyone after 7pm leave em on the side of the road in the westside or eastside at 2am see if they'd b!+c# about the price then.

el coyote - 8/15/2012 10:05 PM

2 Votes

Report User

How is McAnus protecting us if this guy ignores not only the ordinance but also the Judge? The law enforcement people best settle this issue before someone finds a solution outside of the box!

Marfen - 8/15/2012 7:45 PM

1 Vote

Report User

Does anyone know how much of a kickback (I mean commission) the owners of these businesses that contract with Bexar receive on each tow?

epadilla1 - 8/15/2012 5:07 PM

4 Votes

Report User

@Wyatt - Here's a solution, why doesn't this greedy owner move his "business" (scam) to Utah, Whyoming, Idaho, Montana where the people there obviously like getting jacked. But here in San Antonio, there is an ORDINANCE. That means this "thief" errrr, business owner has a choice to make in order to do business in this city. You either charge the allowance, or move on. Why aren't the other towing companies complaining and charging what they are suppose to? They have different owners perhaps. In regards to the cost of the equipment? cry me a river. Does he expect the people he tows pay for those trucks? He needs to downsize and work with what he has based on the LEGAL income coming in. When he makes enough $85 trips, he can buy another truck. That's the way it works!

3ntr0py - 8/15/2012 5:06 PM

1 Vote

Report User

@bigdaddy, its not a product or service if its being forced on you. Most people towed are not repeat offenders, most are 1st timers and get towed because of not paying attention or just not knowing the area. A database needs to be made and warnings given for 1st time offenders, a fine for second offense, and towed there after at a fee tow company sets. These people are crooks and stake out locations and tow within seconds.