New Haven Independent

The tower in question is Anthony Monaco. He technically owns two conitguous New Haven companies that tow cars. Both were on the city’s approved list of companies to tow cars illegally parked or whose owners owe back taxes. The city removed one of Monaco’s companies from the approved list after deciding the two companies were in fact one and the same. (Click on the play arrow to watch his defense.) The town of Milford took similar action against him for companies he has there.

Now, this week, Acting Police Chief Stephanie Redding suspended Monaco’s remaining approved company, Lombard Motors — and his access to the “boot” that locks targerted cars in place — from the cops’ towing list. Towers on that list get to tow cars parked illegally (especially during rush hour) and to participate in the tax office’s Plate Hunter and bootfinder programs.

Redding’s decision followed an investigation by Officer Frank Lombardi, who’s in charge of the department’s towing program.

Lombardi said a citizen had complained about being overcharged $3 by Lombard Motors. Lombardi said he found the complaint to be true. “It could have been a misunderstanding. But my investigation didn’t appear to reveal that,” he said.

The second, bigger, issue was an incident in which Monaco’s company towed a car with a truck that hadn’t been approved as part of the program, Lombardi said. In addition to certifying towing companies, the p.d. approves which trucks they can use.

The suspension runs from this past Monday through this coming Friday.

“There’s no fine,” Lombardi said. “The fine is he lost the business.”

Reached for comment Wednesday, Monaco said he was too busy to talk but would call back. As of press time, he hadn’t called back or responded to two subsequent phone calls.

Previous coverage of New Haven’s towing industry:

Mayor’s Favorite Marshal Rakes In $196K

“They’re Thieves”

Marshals Sent To School

DMV To Towing Companies: No Sealed Bids

Third Towing Scrape Detailed

Clergy “Exemption” Detailed

New Towing Probe Sought

$200 For 4 Hours

Towing Program Halted

Kimber Gets Off The (Towing) Hook

“We’re Not Double-Dipping”

Alvin Goes For The Chevy

Towing Co. Ducks Tax Bill