ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - ArchCity Defenders has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of St. Louis residents over illegal towing in University City.

The lawsuit alleges that vehicles were towed as a result of University City's warrantless property searches and warrantless vehicle seizures. The towed cars were reportedly parked on private property and neither interfered with public roadways nor were a safety hazard.

ArchCity Defenders also states that University City did not give residents adequate notice before towing or a chance to challenge the towing at a hearing.

 I know I'm not the only victim here. They're stealing from the poor and this needs to stop. I hope my experience helps this stop U City from doing this to another victim,  said Sheila Schroer, a plaintiff, who, along with her partner, lost three vehicles and her belongings, and moved away from University City as a result of this scheme.

According to the lawsuit, many of those whose vehicles were towed could not afford the towing fees. Those who could afford the fees had a significant financial burden.

 We look forward to advocating alongside our clients, and we're grateful for their courage in challenging University City's unconstitutional towing scheme. Their stories demonstrate how University City's practices have upended residents' sense of privacy and safety, imposed unnecessary and enormous financial hardship on poor and working families, and certainly have not made University City any safer,  says Brianna Coppersmith, an attorney with ArchCity Defenders.

The lawsuit seeks to compel University City to end the practice and compensate plaintiffs and class members with monetary damages.
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