Towing Issues: this local guy picked my car up while i was in the process of getting in, towing company, fredericksburg va

Question
I'm in fredericksburg va, and i live at a townhouse complex that uses permits and visitors passes, i forgot to put mine in but just when i was about to get in my car and leave for an errand he swooped in and picked my car up. he had me pay a 25 drop fee when i believe he had no right to pick my car up when i was pretty much sitting there about to start the car. there was no warning "hey i gotta tow your car". i think i won the race to my car and shouldn't have to pay.

Answer
This sounds like predatory towing which becoming an increasing problem. I would contact the complex manager and the towing company directly and file a complaint. If he did not already have your vehicle picked up then he cannot charge you a drop fee. If he was patrolling the parking lot he cannot even charge you for having been dispatched to tow your vehicle. I would ask to see a signed towing slip or authorization for him towing your car.