A man has been left without his car for two years after it was towed away during a routine traffic stop.
Armand Bradley, 34, of Brookhaven, Pennsylvania, says local police took his Mitsubishi Mirage and impounded it in May 2023 after he was accused of driving a vehicle without the proper papers.
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But two years later, his car has still not been found.
Now, in a class action lawsuit, the town is accused of towing, impounding and possibly improperly disposing of hundreds of cars.
According to the legal complaint filed Jan. 10 in federal court, Bradley did not receive notice from Brookhaven or the towing operator, Lampert's Garage, regarding the location of his vehicle or how to recover it.
“None of them received any notice of the condition or location of their vehicles, no information on how to recover their vehicles, and no opportunity to appear to contest or otherwise recover their vehicles,” the complaint states.
The plaintiff alleges that the town violated his right to due process and illegally seized his property, while also committing an act of negligence.
He is now seeking compensation for himself and others who were affected.
David Stanoch, Honick's attorney law “People often hear about a class action lawsuit and may be aware of it by receiving postcards in the mail saying they bought a product years ago and maybe they're going to get a few bucks,” a Bradley representative said.
“This one looks different, doesn't he?
“It certainly has a much more personal and understandable impact on many individuals.”
Speaking to WHYY News, Brookhaven Borough Council President Terry Heller said he believes about 280 vehicles have been sold or scrapped.
“If it is proven that illegal towing of vehicles undermines public confidence and ignores civil and constitutional rights,” Heller added.
“We are disgusted by these actions and will work to ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
The wide-ranging investigation continued for months and led to the resignation of Police Chief Michael Weiss in September.
It found that prior to January 2023, Brookhaven used the Steve Longo towing system, a company. As its contractor to tow and impound vehicles involved in various accidents.
However, Heller said the relationship with the company ended after “unfounded” complaints from police leadership.
The lawsuit then found they took refuge at Lampert's Garage — despite not having a lifeguard's license.
The plaintiff says both Brookhaven and Lampert's Garage failed to create or maintain necessary records of towed vehicles.
“The number of vehicles towed and impounded by Brookhaven increased sharply following Lambert’s hiring,” the complaint added.
“Between January 2023 and… spring By 2024, approximately 775 vehicles appear to have been recalled.
“This was several times more than the number of vehicles towed in previous years.”
From there, the council terminated the contract with Lambert in April 2024.
Brookhaven has since re-contracted with Steve Luongo's Towing, Inc.
“This issue is just one of many atrocities that may have occurred here that the current majority is fighting, and it certainly explains why there is a concerted effort to suppress it,” Heller added. goal Majority of Brookhaven Council and the overthrow of our local government.
“If I were directly supervising the Brookhaven Police Department, I would rightfully resign.
Fortunately, our resolve has been steadfast, and we are making the appropriate decisions and moving forward.”
