Stop Police Entrapment for Towing Company Profits

On Sunday, May 6, 2012 at approximately 2:20 a.m. I was awakened by loud noises out in front of my apartment. I ran to the window and saw a tow truck backing up towards my car. I grabbed my keys and ran outside. Then a police car with flashing lights pulls up in front of my car, at this point I am barricaded. I asked nicely, "Excuse me, why are you towing my car." He said there is a marathon and signs everywhere. I looked around and I did not see any signs near my car. I said that I understood and asked if I could move my car myself as I was holding the keys. At this point there were no signs of a marathon being set up, I was not blocking any emergency exits, have no outstanding tickets or other reason for impounding. I said that I would pay for the ticket and even pay for the tow truck coming if they would leave me my car so that I could go to work at 4 a.m. I missed the initial ticketing and signage because I was asleep for the majority of the day and evening; in order to be rested for my 4 a.m.-11 a.m. work shift.

The police officer was rude and condescending and proclaimed that the car was already chained when he arrived (a lie that he felt was true because he said it out loud.) The signs do not mention the fact that cars will be towed. My car would have been out of the way before marathon set-up started at 5 a.m. and the police officer was unreasonable considering that I needed my car for work (no buses were running). I would be fired for missing a shift at work, as many other night workers are in demand.

The police officer owes me an apology. He should have given me a ride to work! He was working to ensure towing company revenues not make sure the street was clear for the marathon. What happened to "protect and serve"? Serve whom? A car owner standing beside her car with keys in hand, watches it being towed away at her expense for NO reason of protection and service. I am a graduate student with limited funding and unable to get my car out from the impound without financial assistance until pay day this Friday. Thanks to you Pittsburgh Police Department!

Why not spend your time addressing the gunshots that can be heard from my apartment ringing out from East Liberty and Garfield, instead of ruining the livelihood of mere graduate student?