My vehicle was taken without permission on Saturday. It was subsequently impounded by TCSO, towed and stored by Phil's Towing. Located at 714 2nd St. Corning, CA 96021. When I contacted the company on Saturday, I was told it would be $500+ to retrieve my vehicle as it was a weekend. However, after calculating the charges it was actually cheaper to wait until Monday. I went to retrieve my vehicle this morning. Charges $533. After standing at the"Service" window for 10 minutes, an elderly lady (the owner's wife Rozetta Peterson) finally acknowledged my presence and stated that (the owner's son, Mark Peterson) would be with me shortly. It should be noted that when I arrived, employee/son was sitting at the desk doing nothing, but then shortly received a phone call. When I asked the owner's son, why they were almost $200 more than any other tow company. He stated, very rudely, "Can't you read? The charges are on the wall. " I admitted that "yes, I can read. I'm asking you to explain why you are charging more than the other local towing companies." Response: "Well, if you can read then read the wall!" I loudly informed them, "that the wall did not explain their justification for being close to $200 more than anywhere else!" They then refused to release my vehicle. There was no hold from the TCSO and I had cash in hand. They refused to accept payment. I was then told to leave and they refused to release my vehicle. I took my keys, attempted to leave the building. They attempted to take the keys from me, but I refused. By law, CA Vehicle code 22651, I have a right to retrieve my property as long as I present a valid ID, which they had. As they were refusing payment and refusing to release my property, I felt justified confiscating the keys. I was subsequently locked in the facility by the son. They also refused to allow my companion to leave the building. I attempted to leave through an office and narrowly escaped being locked in the room. The owner's wife then assaulted me. My friend thankfully had dialed 911. The owner's wife stated they had video survelliance and I would be arrested for going into a "Private" office. By this time you can imagine that voices are raised. I informed her that I was more than happy to have the officers arrive, as "you assaulted me, have unlawfully imprisoned me and are illegally withholding my property." She then had the audacity to state that I had assaulted her. I reminded her that she had "video surveillance", let's pull the tape. She then went into the office, I can only presume to destroy evidence and quickly returned, stating it was their word against ours. I asked her if she stopped the recording or deleted the tape? She denied these actions. Officers arrived, my companion and I were allowed to wait outside while officers spoke with the Owner's. The officer then retrieved the money for the fees from me and had my vehicle released to me. I stated to the officers I wanted to press charges. I was told I could do that, but it was mine and my companion's word against theirs. I explained that the owner's wife stated they had video surveillance and I wanted the tape pulled. The officer stated he would "try" to get the tape. Then suggested I'd have better results reporting them to the Better Business Bureau. I again, reiterated that i wanted to press charges for assault and unlawful imprisonment and theft. I attempted to file a complaint with the BBB, but since it involves a criminal act I was redirected to local law enforcement. I have been a law abiding citizen of this town for 27 years, a home owner and propery tax payer for 10 years. I've never even had a traffic violation. To be treated so dispicablly, as if I were a criminal, as if I should be grateful, bow down and lick their boots, when it was my vehicle that was stolen, my property seized by the TCSO and to be charged so outrageously to retrieve my property is atrocious. I understand they have been businesses owners in this community for decades, but this behavior cannot and should not be ignored. It is unlawful, unethical and immoral. read more