A Driver’s Nightmare: A Car Held Hostage by an Auto Repair Shop

The Unfortunate Case of Louis Denory

In a shocking turn of events, Brooklyn resident Louis Denory found himself in a prolonged and frustrating battle with an auto repair shop that held his car hostage for over a year. Denory’s Ford Flex was towed to A9’s Automotive in April 2023, but what was supposed to be a routine repair turned into a costly and stressful ordeal. The shop, which later changed its name to State to State Automotive, allegedly made excuses for the delay, citing issues like parts delays and even a death in the family. Despite Denory’s repeated attempts to retrieve his car, the shop kept him in the dark, leaving him stranded and facing hefty fines.

The Struggle with the Auto Shop

As the months dragged on, Denory’s situation only grew more dire. His car was being held hostage, and he was racking up nearly $2,000 in parking violations from the City of New York. The fines were issued for illegal parking in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, even though Denory had no control over where his car was being kept. The auto shop’s employees reportedly took a hostile tone when Denory tried to resolve the issue, demanding storage fees and even threatening him when he refused to pay. This behavior not only added financial stress but also left Denory feeling powerless and frustrated.

A Pattern of Deceptive Behavior

Denory soon discovered that he was not the only victim of State to State Automotive’s alleged deceptive practices. Other drivers in the area had also come forward with similar complaints, describing the shop’s tactics as unfair and exploitative. The auto shop’s name change from A9’s Automotive to State to State Automotive seemed to be an attempt to distance itself from its questionable reputation, but the same individuals were still running the operation. This pattern of behavior raises serious concerns about the shop’s integrity and how it treats its customers.

A Reporter Steps In to Help

After months of deadlock, Denory turned to CBS News reporter Tim McNicholas for assistance. McNicholas investigated the matter and accompanied Denory to the auto shop, where they finally uncovered the truth. The car had been moved to a lot three miles away, and the owners of the lot were reportedly trying to evict State to State Automotive for failing to vacate the property. With the help of McNicholas and his team, Denory was able to locate his car, jumpstart it, and drive it home. The reunion with his vehicle brought a sense of relief, but the experience left a sour taste in Denory’s mouth.

What to Do If Your Car Is Towed

For anyone facing a similar situation, there are steps you can take to retrieve your vehicle and potentially contest the towing if it was done wrongfully. First, determine why your car was towed—whether it was due to illegal parking, unpaid citations, or another reason. Next, locate your vehicle by contacting the towing company or checking for information left by the authorities. Paying the required fees promptly is crucial to avoid additional storage charges. If you believe your car was towed unfairly, gather evidence, consult local towing laws, and consider reaching out to a lawyer or justice of the peace for assistance.

A Lesson in Vigilance and Advocacy

Denory’s ordeal is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance when dealing with auto repair shops and towing companies. While his story had a positive outcome thanks to the intervention of a reporter, many others may not be as fortunate. Drivers should always be cautious when leaving their vehicles in the care of others and stay proactive in resolving any issues that arise. By sharing his experience, Denory hopes to raise awareness about the potential pitfalls of dealing with unscrupulous businesses and encourage others to advocate for themselves when faced with similar challenges.