Rodeo parking scam costs couple hundreds of dollars
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Rodeo fans are always looking for the best spots to park, and in one case this weekend, that search left a couple with a pricey towing bill.
Eli and Paula Martinez were excited to enjoy their first night out after welcoming a new baby.
The couple says they had plans to park their truck and take the light rail, but missed their turn and made a last-minute decision to park at a lot along the West Loop and Knight Road.
"They were flagging everybody down, and saying, 'It's just $20,' so we looked at each other and said, 'Okay, we're already here, let's just go in,'" said Paula. "Whenever we asked them if we were getting a ticket that way we won't get towed, all he did was look at us straight in the eye and say , 'Oh no, it's fine.'"
Unfortunately, the Martinez' truck was towed, costing them $239. The Houston Police Department says officers were called out, and they have about nine people listed as complainants in this case. It is still under investigation.
Check out our must-have transportation guide, and use one of the legitimate HLSR parking locations when you head to the rodeo.
