NORTH JERSEY — After drivers started getting parking tickets and EZPass violations for cars left at a North Jersey repair shop, they went to police.
On Saturday, police in Bloomingdale announced the arrest of the Teaneck man who owns the shop, a police spokesperson announced.
Jean Limage, 64, of Teaneck was charged with unlawful taking of a motor vehicle and theft of services, said Bloomingdale Police Sgt. Sami Zeidan.
Police said that their department received complaints over several months from people who took their cars to Master Auto Repair on Main Street, which is owned by Limage.
"The complainants reported dropping off their vehicles to have transmissions repaired or replaced, but many stated they had not received their vehicles back for extended periods of time," police said.
In addition, car owners started getting parking tickets and EZ Pass violation notices.
"Other complainants reported that no transmission work had been performed on their vehicles, while some alleged that inferior or damaged transmissions had been installed in place of their original units," police said.
Police tried to talk to Limage, but he did not cooperate, they said.
Investigators developed evidence, including photos, to charge Limage.
They said he "unlawfully retained customers’ vehicles, refused to return them to their rightful owners, and failed to refund money paid for services."
On Saturday, he was seen walking on Main Street in Bloomingdale when police caught up with him. He was taken to the Bergen County Jail to await a court appearance.
Other charges are pending, police said.
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