Cajon Pass fire victims outraged about $1,600 towing fees: 'I didn't do anything illegal'

[951-Riverside]

15. This is what these thieves are banking on

If I were the insurance company I would demand they prove authorization to remove these vehicles.

California Vehicle Code 22650 says:

It is unlawful for any peace officer or any unauthorized
person to remove any unattended vehicle from a highway to a garage or
to any other place, except as provided in this code.

(a) Those law enforcement and other agencies identified in this
chapter as having the authority to remove vehicles shall also have
the authority to provide hearings in compliance with the provisions
of Section 22852. During these hearings the storing agency shall have
the burden of establishing the authority for, and the validity of,
the removal.

(b) Nothing in this section shall be deemed to prevent a review or
other action as may be permitted by the laws of this state by a
court of competent jurisdiction.

These opportunists shouldn't get a cent until they can prove authorization from the state. They also need to be on the rotation list before touching vehicles.

If G&M Towing took these vehicles without authorization and did it out of their rotation then they need to be charged with theft and lose their Towing Service Agreement contract with with state (if they even have one)

If they stole these vehicles then gouging isn't an issue here because they have no right to any fees after committing a crime.