ABANDONED VEHICLES, SOMEONE HAS TO DEAL WITH THEM...

The topic of discussion today will be focused around a simple abandoned vehicle complaint that I was dispatched to where the vehicle was abandoned on site in the middle of the roadway. It is a simple call for service and one that all Law Enforcement will be keen to handle on a normal basis when dealing with traffic complaints as a whole.

While on patrol in my designated area, I was dispatched to a two-way approach intersection in reference to an abandoned vehicle in the middle of the roadway causing traffic to build up. Normal day, clear skies, decent weather, and steady traffic in my area of patrol. 

Upon arrival at the scene, I observed exactly what was reported to the dispatcher…a vehicle in the middle of the roadway with hazards on with no one around it. Upon further observation of the vehicle it was determined that the vehicle was road worthy and that it was not reported stolen of any kind. All four doors were found ajar, and the contents of the vehicle had all be removed. At face value the vehicle seemed to be fine, just abandoned on the roadway.

While investigating the vehicle, I was also giving any potential owners or custodians time to get back to the vehicle if they had left the scene for some reason. After some time, it was determined that the vehicle was abandoned and would be required to be towed from the middle of the roadway. 

Thus, I inventory searched the vehicle, found no valuables, filled out the paperwork required for tow, and then notified the tow company to come get the vehicle. The vehicle was towed from the roadway without incident.

So at this point the call for service was completed, however I investigated the area a little bit more and was able to determine that juveniles had been joyriding in the vehicle, and decided to leave it at the location found. 

I determined this via several CCTV cameras where the vehicle is seem being operated by four (4) younger children probably 16-18 years of age. Unfortunately, the juvenile’s identities couldn’t be confirmed, but at least the vehicle was recovered without incident. 

I call that a win…definitely when dealing with juveniles. My reasoning for saying it like that is a whole another discussion…lefts just say juvenile court isn’t up to par when it comes to handling crimes committed by juveniles…

Nevertheless, this incident required tow because the vehicle wasn’t in a legal parking zone/spot and it was obstructing traffic flow. This is a very common call for service and normally requires tow, or just a notification sticker letting whoever is maintaining ownership of the vehicle know that if it isn’t in compliance with the parking regulations or laws in a given time the vehicle will be towed at their expense. That about sums it up…

Abandoned Vehicles, Someone has to Deal with Them...