Crime & Safety

Prince William Man Arrested Over Predatory Towing Scheme: Police

Police say they have arrested a Woodbridge man in connection with a fraudulent towing scheme.

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA – Prince William County police have announced arrests connected to what they call a fraud scheme involving fake car crashes and fake towing.

According to a release by the Prince William County Police Department, property crimes detectives recently arrested a person connected to a predatory towing scheme. Tillman's Towing company is alleged to have been involved in the scheme.

According to police, the operation encompassed staged vehicle crashes, unjustified towing operations and insurance fraud. Police say investigators found multiple blank documents they allege were used to forge DMV-related paperwork and also seized a stolen firearm during the investigation.

Find out what's happening in Woodbridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

A Prince William County Police Department spokesperson tells Patch that Michael Aaron Tillman, 41, of Woodbridge, was arrested and charged with obtaining property by false pretenses, larceny with intent to sell, making false statements or falsely swearing on a Department of Motor Vehicles form, possession of a stolen firearm and possession of forged documents.

According to Virginia court records, Tillman was arrested on Oct. 29 and released on his own recognizance. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 28.

Find out what's happening in Woodbridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The department says residents and businesses were targeted by the schemers.

Prince William police said they were assisted by the Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority police during the investigation.

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.