Can they do that? (cops)

[theloneassassin]

My Grandma's car broke down on the side of the road and they needed a ride to get a new battery. Cops came and would only tow them to a certain garage which closed 5min before they got there. The police impounded the car... Why would they do that? And can they?

 

[Ryengu]

I'm not versed on the legal aspect, but it sounds unfair to punish someone for something almost completely outside their control, especially since it wasn't particularly threatening anyways.

 

[theloneassassin]

I'm not versed on the legal aspect, but it sounds unfair to punish someone for something almost completely outside their control, especially since it wasn't particularly threatening anyways.

Yeah it sounded fishy to me, I am trying to find someone with an idea of the law!

 

[ramboondiea]

would help if we knew what the jurisdiction was, where did this happen?

 

[Nuuu]

In my state, they randomly started stopping cars at a small passage and taking people's money to pass onto the highway. No real reason what-so-ever.

 

[Thaluikhain]

What jurisdiction do you live in?

 

[theloneassassin]

would help if we knew what the jurisdiction was, where did this happen?

USA, Connecticut. Sorry if that does not help

 

[ramboondiea]

would help if we knew what the jurisdiction was, where did this happen?

USA, Connecticut. Sorry if that does not help

right, sorry i can't help you then, i only know English law. however i could still suggest that you look up what the police powers are in your area, it shouldnt be too hard to find and a google search should be enough, it should say if they have a duty to help n that situation or not

 

[Adin_the_Grey]

The police usually don't have a choice in the matter, the village often signs contracts with certain garages/tow companies requiring that any broken down vehicle be towed and impounded. Police typically aren't thrilled to have to do it either, but they can be reprimanded for failing to follow the procedure to the letter. If you want, you can contact the village hall and ask about the exact Ordinances in your area.

Hope that helps.

Source: Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, 600 hour police internship


(Though typically they have enough leeway when it is not blocking the roadway for the person to have it towed at their own expense.)

 

[Mouse_Crouse]

They could certainly impound a car that is obstructing the highway (or a shoulder of it). However the fact that they didn't allow her to attempt to have it towed at her expense seems odd. I suspect there is something we don't know about this story. Not saying it is intentionally hidden. Just saying I feel we're missing something here.

 

[theloneassassin]

They could certainly impound a car that is obstructing the highway (or a shoulder of it). However the fact that they didn't allow her to attempt to have it towed at her expense seems odd. I suspect there is something we don't know about this story. Not saying it is intentionally hidden. Just saying I feel we're missing something here.

They only allowed it to be towed to one specific place and that said place closed right before they got there. They were not on the road or anything just trying to get a battery for the car.

 

[Vampire cat]

Quick, to court!

 

[theloneassassin]

Quick, to court!

xD If only

 

[Forum_Name]

My Grandma's car broke down on the side of the road and they needed a ride to get a new battery. Cops came and would only tow them to a certain garage which closed 5min before they got there. The police impounded the car... Why would they do that? And can they?

Considering the number of laws enacted compared to those repealed each year, the odds of fully knowing what enforcement can and cannot do, without years of legal study first, is increasingly remote.

No matter how indecipherable or voluminous the laws are that govern you, your chances of being a victim of enforcement will only go up when dealing with police officers. While you don't say why the cops came, if it was because you called them then you invited some of this misfortune upon yourself. Cut out the middleman next time and call a tow truck directly.

 

[theloneassassin]

My Grandma's car broke down on the side of the road and they needed a ride to get a new battery. Cops came and would only tow them to a certain garage which closed 5min before they got there. The police impounded the car... Why would they do that? And can they?

Considering the number of laws enacted compared to those repealed each year, the odds of fully knowing what enforcement can and cannot do, without years of legal study first, is increasingly remote.

No matter how indecipherable or voluminous the laws are that govern you, your chances of being a victim of enforcement will only go up when dealing with police officers. While you don't say why the cops came, if it was because you called them then you invited some of this misfortune upon yourself. Cut out the middleman next time and call a tow truck directly.

No cops were called, Car was occupied at all times and someone was called to take the driver (My grandpa) to a place to get a replacement battery. They came by and said it was a danger and they were going to tow it. They called a tow truck with a driver that was a total asshole and they brought it to some garage. Garage was closed so they impounded the car.

 

[theloneassassin]

This car also happened to be on a turnpike but it was not a highway (I know on a highway rules are different compared to normal roads)

 

[Macgyvercas]

Snip

Not well versed in the laws myself, but if you need a quick call on something, Ace_of_something can generally point you in the right direction. He's in law enforcement.

 

[Aur0ra145]

Snip

Not well versed in the laws myself, but if you need a quick call on something, Ace_of_something can generally point you in the right direction. He's in law enforcement.

Damn ninja.

And yes, this situation sounds odd.