City of Bellingham Hearing Examiner

The City of Bellingham Hearing Examiner conducted a vehicle impound appeal hearing for Erica Irizarris, who challenged both the validity of the impound and the associated towing and storage fees for her 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The vehicle was impounded on February 4th by Bellingham Police Department and towed by Heston Hauling. Irizarris testified that her vehicle broke down unexpectedly around midnight on Northwest Drive due to a blown radiator hose in freezing conditions. After struggling with the overheating vehicle for nearly two hours, she parked it on Horton Road under a streetlight, positioned as far right as possible to avoid obstructing traffic. She walked home (0.9 miles) to get antifreeze and water, intending to return immediately to fix the vehicle and drive it home. When she returned approximately two hours later, the vehicle had been towed. The police statement indicated the vehicle was impounded because it was obstructing a bike lane and protruding into the vehicle travel lane, creating a potential traffic hazard for morning commuters. Heston Hauling provided standard testimony about their authorized towing procedures, rates set by Washington State, and current storage charges. Hearing Examiner Sharon Rice took the matter under advisement and will issue a written decision within 10 business days (by February 26th) determining whether the impound was proper and whether the towing and storage fees should be upheld or waived.