South Fulton County

Fake tow truck drivers steal car ... and there may be more victims

SOUTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — College Park police are investigating after they say thieves who disguised themselves as tow truck drivers stole a car from a motel parking lot.

The theft happened in the early morning hours of June 6 at Quality Inn on Sullivan Road.

John Duke told Channel 2 Action News that he drove his custom Cadillac CTS-V to the hotel, where he visited a friend for several hours. But he said that when he went back outside, he noticed his car had disappeared.

In surveillance footage Channel 2 obtained, an unmarked and unlicensed red tow truck is seen hauling away Duke's Cadillac.

"What has your life been like since all this happened?" Channel 2's Michael Seiden asked the victim.

“Oh, it’s been really frustrating, a lot of Lyfts, you know, a lot of ride shares,” Duke said.

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After reporting the crime to police, Duke and his friends spent the next several days searching for his car and the rogue tow truck driver.

“I ended up finding my stuff on Craigslist and I actually bought some of the pieces,” Duke said.

Taillights, headlights and a grill were just some of the stolen pieces Duke found for sale on Craigslist, but the situation got worse.

When officers recovered the stolen vehicle late last week, Duke said, “There’s no motor, no transmission. They ripped everything and cut everything out of the dash and just ripped it apart."

Unfortunately, Duke's insurance policy doesn't cover the damages. He's now out thousands of dollars.

"It makes you feel pretty violated," Duke said.

Police said the investigation is ongoing, and they told Channel 2 Action News there could be numerous victims.

Duke and his friends believe the recent crime is part of a well-planned and organized scheme. They are now hoping an arrest is made before the thieves strike again.