Repo Man's Car Seized: Newport Police

NEWPORT,RI—Eric P. Chase, 59, of Fall River, Mass., told police he works for Lachase Auto Recovery in Newport, and he sounded pretty sure the law was on his side, Newport police allege, when they stopped him Friday for illegally using bailee, transporter or transfer plates. Officers noticed his car because the truck was secured only by a strap and bounced up and down, due to a broken latch. But then they checked his plates. They saw the car was registered as a vehicle used for work. However, he apparently was not using the car for work when police stopped him at 2:30 a.m. on Burnside Avenue.

Chase allegedly told police he doesn't have another car, and officers allege they saw clothing and other personal belongings inside. He also allegedly claimed he beat the same rap before.

But police said Tiverton police charged him three times in 2017 with misusing the plates, and he was found guilty per court records.

Chase told police they couldn't tow his car away because he was on private property, but officers said they had spotted him driving on the street and therefore could seize the car. Chase was released with a summons. He was also cited for driving without evidence of insurance, first offense; driving without a registration; and driving after his license was cancelled, revoked or suspended.