Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Lincoln Towing Is Now Under State Investigation, Could Be Shut Down

By Kelly Bauer | February 25, 2016 8:03am
 The  Illinois Commerce Commission  is investigating whether  Lincoln Towing  should be allowed to keep operating after "multiple violations and alleged violations of state law," according to the agency.
Lincoln Towing
View Full Caption

CHICAGO — The Illinois Commerce Commission is investigating whether Lincoln Towing should be allowed to keep operating after "multiple violations and alleged violations of state law," according to the agency.

The ICC has investigated Lincoln Towing in 166 cases since July, according to the agency. The cases ranged from allegedly overcharging drivers and moving authorized cars to having improper invoicing and signs.

Lincoln Towing was found guilty of a violation in 28 of those cases, while 47 were closed and 92 are pending, the agency said.

Now, the agency will use those cases, any criminal records of Lincoln's owners and employees and Lincoln's safety record to determine whether it is fit to hold a license and should be allowed to operate, ICC Commissioner Miguel del Valle said.

 Aileen Manipol, of Irving Park, and her family said Lincoln Towing lied about where their car was parked so it could tow the car.
Aileen Manipol, of Irving Park, and her family said Lincoln Towing lied about where their car was parked so it could tow the car.
View Full Caption
DNAinfo/Kelly Bauer

There was no immediate comment from owners of the towing service Thursday. The company is owned by Protective Parking Service Corp., according to the ICC.

In early February, an Irving Park family reported its car had been taken by Lincoln Towing even though the car had been in its designated parking spot for months, and the family had satellite images to prove it. Lincoln Towing eventually gave the car back, saying the tow truck driver was new.

A tow truck driver also faced charges in September after he allegedly knocked a man off a 16-foot ladder to take the man's truck, according to prosecutors. And the company was in hot water after towing a state child welfare worker's car while the worker was on state business at a police station.

Ald. Ameya Pawar (47th) has called Lincoln Towing a "bad operator" and vowed to hold it accountable, pushing a City Council resolution asking Lincoln to "testify to their towing practices and policies" before the Council. A petition calling for Lincoln's business license to be suspended received more than 1,800 signatures.

The ICC has not set a date for the hearing. Those who want to file a complaint about Lincoln Towing or other companies can call the Illinois Commerce Commission police at 847-294-4326.

Related:

Lincoln Towing Driver Knocks Man Off 16-Foot Ladder To Take Truck: Charges

Lincoln Towing Driver Gets Hit Over Head With Pipe by Man Who Had Car Towed

Notorious Lincoln Towing Strikes Again, Takes Car From Owner's Spot: Family

Lincoln Towing Gives Back Car Involved In Dispute, Says 'Driver Is New'

Petition to Suspend Lincoln Towing's License Gets Hundreds of Signatures

After Fight At Lincoln Towing, Alderman Wants 'Outrageous' Company Gone

Lincoln Towing In Hot Water for Unauthorized Towing

 

For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: