A Franklin Square tow truck driver was arrested on April 19 for extortion, after police say he posted his own “no parking” signs in commercial lots, enforced them illegally by towing parked vehicles, then demanded money from his victims.
Bumble Bee Towing owner and tow truck driver Christopher Capurso, 22, of Franklin Square was “holding cars hostage,” Floral Park Village Police say, preying upon customers of local businesses who did nothing wrong.
The fraudulent signs read: “Customer/Tenant Parking Only 24 Hours – 7 Days A Week Unauthorized Vehicles Will be Towed at Owners Expense… Cars released by appointment only.”
Police say after temporarily posting the signs in various locations, Capurso hooked up parked vehicles to his truck, waited for the owners to return and then charged his victims $150-$200 to release their vehicles, before removing the signs.
Capurso was charged with seven counts of grand larceny, but police say they are investigating more than a dozen similar complaints against Bumble Bee Towing In Nassau County.
Capurso had his tow truck operator license revoked and was released on $500 bond. He will appear in Nassau County First District Court on May 10.
