Investigator Potts details violations in EA Towing's invoice during hearing

In a recent government meeting held on April 22, 2025, significant discussions emerged regarding the operations of EA Towing, Inc., particularly focusing on compliance with towing regulations and the handling of a specific towing incident. Investigator Potts presented findings from an investigation into a complaint against the towing company, revealing multiple violations related to invoicing and storage facility practices.

The investigation began when a complaint was filed concerning a tow that occurred on October 16, 2024. The complainant provided an invoice from EA Towing, which was scrutinized for compliance with state regulations. Notably, the invoice lacked essential information, including the address of the towing carrier and the required signatures, which are mandated by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Investigator Potts confirmed that the address on file for the towing facility was 7880 Welby Road in Denver, but upon visiting the site, he found it to be an empty lot, raising concerns about the legitimacy of the towing operations.

Key violations identified included the absence of the storage facility address on the invoice, improper fees charged for the tow, and missing timestamps that are crucial for transparency in towing practices. The investigation revealed that the vehicle was taken to a different location, 8280 Welby Road, which was not authorized as a storage facility under the commission's rules. This discrepancy led to charges against EA Towing for failing to adhere to regulatory requirements.

During the meeting, it was also noted that the towing company had not performed the necessary statutory search and notification to the vehicle's owner, which is required when a vehicle is towed without consent. This lack of compliance further compounded the issues surrounding the towing incident.

In response to the findings, Investigator Potts indicated that he had offered the towing company an opportunity to resolve the matter by issuing a refund to the complainant, but the company opted to contest the charges in a hearing instead. This decision underscores the ongoing challenges in ensuring that towing companies operate within the legal framework designed to protect consumers.

The outcomes of this investigation and the subsequent hearing will have implications for the community, as they highlight the importance of regulatory compliance in the towing industry. Residents rely on transparent and fair practices when their vehicles are towed, and the findings from this case may prompt further scrutiny of towing operations in the area. The PUC's commitment to enforcing these regulations aims to safeguard consumer rights and maintain accountability within the towing industry.