In Denver, Colorado, a 13-year-old boy had quite a scare when he was found sleeping in a car that ended up getting towed. The incident took place at the Baymont Inn & Suites in Lakewood, where the boy’s mother, who didn’t speak English well, frantically reported that her car had been stolen with her son inside. The hotel staff immediately contacted the Lakewood police, who launched a search for the missing child.
Fortunately, the police were able to track the car, which had been a rental vehicle from Hertz, to an impound lot in Denver. It was discovered that the car had been repossessed, and the child was still asleep in the back seat when the tow truck driver found him. The driver had no idea that the boy was inside the car, as he was just following the repossession order.
The family, who were guests at the hotel, had parked outside while doing laundry in preparation for a trip to the East Coast. The entire situation was deemed to be an honest mistake, and no charges were filed against the family or the tow truck driver. The repo was considered a matter between the family and the company they were dealing with.
A Lakewood police agent safely transported the child back to the hotel to be reunited with his family. Despite the initial panic and tension surrounding the incident, it was ultimately a misunderstanding that was resolved without any legal repercussions.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of communication and understanding in high-stress situations, especially when language barriers are present. The quick response from both the hotel staff and the police helped ensure the safe return of the child to his family. This incident highlights the need for clear protocols and procedures in the repossession process to avoid similar misunderstandings in the future.
