The founder and operator of Bexar Towing was arrested Friday night for charging more than a city ordinance allows after refusing orders from an officer to lower his fee.
The 65-year old John DeLoach has been defiant since a hidden camera investigation by fellow Trouble Shooter reporter Jaie Avila 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. 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,” SAPD officer Matt Porter said. “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.”
DeLoach made bond and was released. In a statement from Bexar Towing’s attorney, Mark Cannan, called 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. The company claims the wording of the state law requires San Antonio to complete a fee study before enforcing the towing ordinance, even though it has been on the books since 2002. A trial is scheduled for October.
— Brian Collister, WOAI Investigative Reporter. Find him online at woai-com. Email tips to briancollister@woaitv.com.
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