Repo Ends in Fight, Chase and a Smashed Cell Phone

Hooksett, MA – May 2, 2013 – When 30 year old Joseph Bates came out to find his car being repossessed on Thursday morning, he must have thought the cameras were on for an episode of” Lizard Lick” or “Operation Repo”. Acting like a rabid squirrel in a room full of dogs, he became violent and made a series of frantic mistakes that landed him in jail facing multiple charges including robbery, disobeying an officer, reckless operation, conduct after an accident, hindering apprehension, criminal mischief, and simple assault.

According to police , an unidentified tow truck operator or Repo Man was attempting to repossess Bates’ car near the town’s public library just before 9 a.m. Thursday. When Bates discovered the repossession in progress, he became confrontational with the driver, and allegedly escalated and was described as “became violent,” reportedly shoving the tow truck operator’s head to the ground and stealing his cell phone.

Bates’ car was already hooked up to the tow truck and rather than attempting to unhook it, police claim that Bates got into the car and “drove the car free from the wrecker,” breaking the truck’s straps and fleeing the scene.

When Police arrived they found Bates leaving the scene in the vehicle. Officer Donald Broughton made an effort to stop him, but Bates allegedly continued his flight.

A brief chase ensued and Bates was ultimately stopped in an abandoned parking lot about a mile away and was taken into custody.

Asked why police believe Bates took the man’s cellphone, Hooksett Police Sgt. Kris Dupris said, “Our best guess is that he took the phone to keep the guy from calling emergency services.” The phone was later found “in pieces,” Dupris said.

Bates was released on $15,000 personal recognizance bail and is scheduled to appear in 6th Circuit Court, Hooksett District Division, May 22.