Milwaukee retiree disputes vehicle destruction by city tow lot after accident claim

The City of Milwaukee's Judiciary and Legislation Committee convened on July 7, 2025, to discuss a claim made by Jerome Cockerham regarding the destruction of his vehicle while in the city's tow lot. Cockerham's vehicle was towed on December 28, 2022, following a car accident and was held for approximately 22 days before being recycled on January 19, 2023.

During the meeting, Cockerham expressed his frustration, stating that he was not adequately notified about the vehicle's impending destruction. He claimed he visited the tow lot on January 11, 2023, and made arrangements to retrieve the vehicle, which he asserted was still operational. Cockerham argued that he did not receive any certified notice regarding the vehicle's status, which he believed should have been sent to him as the registered owner.

The city attorney's office recommended denial of Cockerham's claim, asserting that the tow lot acted within its policy and was not liable for damages. Nicole Anderson, the interim tow lot manager, confirmed that notices were sent to the registered owner and the license plate owner, and emphasized that the vehicle did not have substantial value.

Cockerham countered that he had made arrangements to retrieve the vehicle and provided evidence, including photos, to support his claim that the vehicle was not totaled and was in good condition. He expressed disbelief that the vehicle was crushed without proper notification, especially since he had just visited the lot days prior.

The committee discussed the standard procedures for notifying vehicle owners and the timeline for holding vehicles before disposal. It was noted that the city typically holds vehicles for about 15 to 17 days, and Cockerham's vehicle exceeded this timeframe. The committee members expressed concern over the communication process and the handling of Cockerham's case, with some questioning whether the city could have done more to ensure he was informed.

The meeting concluded without a resolution, leaving Cockerham's claim unresolved and highlighting ongoing issues related to vehicle towing and notification practices in Milwaukee. The committee plans to further review the policies and procedures to prevent similar situations in the future.