News

Lynn residents say they were almost towed while still in car

LYNN, Mass. — Crossing the line; that's what some Lynn residents say happened during this week's snow parking ban.

Two residents contacted Boston 25 News reporter Stephanie Coueignoux with complaints their cars were towed while they were still inside.

Lynwood Moore called Boston 25 News Thursday after he says his car was almost towed while he was still inside. Moore says he was typing into his GPS when he heard a noise.

"I see the tow truck backing in trying to back up to the front of my car," said Moore. "I understand they have a job to do but they have to look inside the car first."

Moore managed to drive away, but can't understand why this happened in the first place.

Tuesday evening, the City of Lynn issued a parking ban starting at 3 p.m. Wednesday. According to the city's website, once a ban takes effect, any car in violation can be towed.

Boston 25 News met Ronald Chhim at the city's parking department where he was paying his towing fee. He told us he ran inside his house to get a toy for his daughter and when he came out, his car was being towed.

"I said, Stop! Stop! But they did not stop," said Chhim.

Chhim says he followed the tow truck to the city's impound lot where he received his bill for $170.

"Unfair! That's a rip off for people and make people upset," said Chhim.

We called Lynn city officials for comment. Friday, we went to city hall for answers.

Friday afternoon, the mayor's chief of staff emailed us saying in part, "Our emergency management team will be meeting to identify ways in which we can improve upon our processes for next winter."

They did not respond to our question about towing with people still inside vehicles.

Anyone whose car was towed or ticketed can file for a hearing; they just need to fill out a form at the parking department.