ArchCity Defenders filed a proposed federal class action on Oct. 22, 2026 for four current or former University City residents against the city and five officers over private-property vehicle tows.
The suit alleges the city directed more than 150 tows over three years from private driveways, carports, backyards and other residential areas, as reported by FOX 2 Now's coverage of the 150-vehicle allegation. A proposed class action is a lawsuit filed for named plaintiffs that asks the court to extend relief to a larger group. Owners cannot claim fixed compensation now because there is no settlement, judgment, claim form or payout yet, so the practical step is to preserve tow receipts and notices.
Table of Contents
- Who falls in the proposed group?
- What did officers allegedly do?
- What did owners lose?
- What compensation is sought and what should owners do?
Who falls in the proposed group?
The proposed group covers owners whose cars were towed at the city's direction from private residential property. That includes driveways, carports, backyards and other residential areas.
The named plaintiffs are four current or former University City residents, according to ArchCity Defenders' announcement of the filing. Teacher Whitney Shucks is one example. Her 2009 Dodge Journey was towed from her carport in October 2024 while she was saving for reinspection.
What did officers allegedly do?
The complaint alleges officers entered private property without warrants or consent to look for code violations such as expired plates. It then alleges vehicles were towed without prior notice or an opportunity to challenge the seizure, as summarized by First for Autos' account of the complaint.
That sequence matters for owners. A search of a driveway or carport is distinct from a ticket left on a public street. A tow without advance notice also limits options to move the car, fix plates, or contest the action first.
What did owners lose?
Shucks alleges release fees exceeded $2,000 and rose by hundreds per day. She never recovered the car and lost artwork and work boots inside it.
Plaintiffs Sheila Schroers and Jason Wendt allege three vehicles were ordered removed from their backyard driveway in April 2023. Wendt paid hundreds to recover his truck while Schroers lost two Toyotas plus belongings.
What compensation is sought and what should owners do?
The suit seeks class certification, monetary damages for plaintiffs and class members, a declaration that the searches and seizures violated constitutional rights, and an end to the practice. Damages would mean court-ordered payment for losses tied to the tows, not a set rebate amount.
No claim deadline or payment formula exists yet. Owners with a city-directed private-property tow should take these steps now:.
- Save tow receipts, release-fee invoices, impound notices, and photos of where the car was parked.
- List personal property left in the car and its replacement cost.
- Keep repair, registration, plate-renewal, and reinspection records tied to the tow dates.
- Watch for class-certification and settlement notices before paying a third party for help filing.