Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Mistake lands new tow truck driver in trouble
PULLMAN –– A towing mistake in Pullman resulted in the arrest of Bent Cardan, 39, a tow truck driver, after towing away a Ford Bronco on Saturday, Jan. 20.
Reports say Jeffrey Weller, the owner of the Bronco, reported his vehicle missing from the shoulder of SR-270 near Alpine Animal Hospital. Weller had reportedly left the vehicle around 10:30 a.m. to get parts. Upon his return at 11:30 a.m., the Bronco had vanished.
Pullman Police Officer Luv St. Andre went to investigate the incident.
Surveillance footage showed a blue flatbed tow truck with white fenders, driven by Bent Cardan, towing the Bronco away. The tow truck was traced back to Snoway Customs Towing & Recovery, owned by Brian Snow owns.
Reports say Snow acknowledged the honest mistake but requested legal representation before providing documentation. Brian reportedly explained that the new driver, Cardan, mistakenly towed the Bronco instead of a Nissan Altima as intended. Brian confirmed that Bent was driving alone and had been thoroughly reprimanded for the error.
Upon bringing the Bronco to the Pullman Police Department, Officer St. Andre spoke with Cardan. Bent explained that he believed he was supposed to tow a Toyota Avalon, as per a list provided by Brian earlier in the day. He mentioned relying on memory, leading to the mix-up with the Bronco. Bent asserted that he was unaware of who had requested the towing, stating it was common to tow vehicles without owners present.
The investigation is ongoing, with the expectation of cooperation from all parties involved.
Cardan was released from the Whitman County Jail on Monday, Jan. 22, and is charged with Theft of a Motor Vehicle.
Olivia Harnack is a Journalist at the Whitman County Gazette. Olivia is enrolled at University of Idaho and is majoring in digital film studies. She serves in the United States Army National Guard and is proud to serve Whitman County.
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