An ABC affiliate in Utah is reporting the tragic death of a young wife and mother at the hands of a repo-agent. Readers of this blog are aware of just how common-place such repo-related injuries and loss of life have become. It’s like the wild-west out there now.
This incident – and many, many others – show why repossessors must be punished severely when they violate the law, even where there is no serious injury or harm – because the threat is so great. If they are not punished, they will just keep on doing what they are doing and eventually someone will be severely injured or die.
It’s not a question of “if.” It’s only a question of “when.”
It’s the same reason why the drunk driver is severely punished, even though he made it home without causing or getting in an accident. The threat is just too great.
Police say that when the repo-agent showed up at the consumer’s home around midnight, the consumer objected and jumped in her vehicle and drove away. The repo-agent chased her.
12 blocks later the pursuit ended with the crash. The consumer slammed into a tree and was pronounced dead at the scene. The repo-agent was booked into jail on suspicion of manslaughter.
The consumer leaves behind a husband and two young daughters.
You can only imagine the consumer’s panic and terror. Police say she was going 70 miles per hour with the repo-agent in close pursuit.
Police say “We believe there is physical evidence to establish the repossession agent was attempting to force her off of the road,” “He even made statements he was trying to stop the chase and bring it to an end…He said he felt like it was getting dangerous and he needed to stop it. And he felt like he had the heavier vehicle and he could bring it to a stop.”
The consumer had recently moved to the area to take care of Ashleigh’s elderly parents and they were behind on payments for the vehicle.
Police said “It is usually protocol and procedure for [repo-agents] not to give chase and I have never in my 15-years of law enforcement, I’ve never seen a possession agent be this aggressive,” Lt. Smith said. “This is the first time I’ve ever seen anything like it.”
However, the report quoted another local repo-agent admitting that he been repossessing cars for 35 years and has had plenty of people elude him.
The other local repo-agent admitted “My first thought would be the same thing. To follow them. It’ in my DNA to get ’em,” “But common sense and attorney’s fees remind you, you know, it’s just not worth it.”
Police say that the repo-agent had his girlfriend with him and her version of the events confirms the repo-agent was chasing the consumer.
You can see the entire report by pointing your browser here: http://www.good4utah.com/news/local-news/young-mother-killed-tow-truck-driver-jailed-in-repossession-gone-wrong
If you have been the victim of an unlawful, then you should contact a qualified attorney right away.