PHILADELPHIA - A man who wanted to use a certain towing service when his car broke down was roughed up by cops who told him to use a different one, a lawsuit alleges.
A lawsuit was filed Feb. 8 against Bensalem Township and several associated entities, including the Bensalem Police Department. The plaintiff in the case is Keith A. Cohen of Philadelphia, and the defendants removed the case to federal court on March 4.
The defendants include Steve Bailey, Officer Gwilliam, Officer Hordijenko, and John Catrombon.
Cohen says his car broke down on March 24, 2020, on Street Road in Bensalem, and he called 911 and his prepaid towing company. But officers arrived before the tow truck and "informed plaintiff that he would have to use a tow truck called by them rather than the one dispatched to the scene at Plaintiff's request."
Eventually, Cohen says he was forcibly removed from his car and thrown to the ground, then arrested. He was forced to pay a $350 fee to retrieve his car from impound.
He claims he faced multiple criminal charges as retaliation for wanting his own tow truck, which hurt his reputation as a tennis coach.
David Levenberg and Joseph L. London are representing the plaintiff while Robert P. DiDomenicis represents the defendants.