‘You don’t steal from people’: Louisville woman paid $1K for truck at police auction — but when it was delivered, valuable items were missing. Now, tow lot employees are being investigated

Tow lot employees caught on video

An internal police investigation found that civilian employees at the Louisville tow lot were captured on surveillance video taking items from cars slated for auction.

In footage from June 11, 2024, obtained by WHAS11, an on-duty lot attendant and a woman in street clothes can be seen walking through the "auction corral" and opening several vehicles. At one point, the lot attendant leaves the frame carrying a suitcase they did not enter with. Another employee is also seen rifling through other vehicles.

An LMPD spokesperson provided the following statement to WHAS11:

"The screenshots you provided depict two civilian tow lot employees taking items from vehicles in the LMPD tow lot prior to auction. When LMPD became aware of this incident last year, we immediately launched a criminal investigation through our Public Integrity Unit (PIU). The PIU conducted a lengthy investigation, reviewing surveillance videos and conducting interviews. Following this investigation, the PIU referred the case to the Jefferson County Attorney's Office (JCAO), which ultimately recommended that criminal charges not be filed. After examining all the evidence, the JCAO determined a conviction on any criminal charge was unlikely. However, this case remains an open and active internal investigation within LMPD."

The county attorney’s letter, obtained by WHAS11, identified one man and one woman as the subjects of the investigation but did not provide specific reasons for declining to file charges.

At this time, it appears no employees have been fired or disciplined, reports WHAS11. And when asked for a statement by the news channel, LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey declined to comment on specifics, citing an ongoing internal investigation.

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Who owns the contents of a car about to go to auction?

According to WHAS11, Kentucky law and Louisville Metro codes state that vehicles impounded for 45 days become government property. However, ownership of personal items inside the cars remains a gray area. Local ordinances allow original owners to retrieve personal belongings until the auction sale is finalized. After that, unclaimed items may become the property of the government or the buyer, depending on local policy.

This lack of clarity can create situations like Howell's, where buyers assume the car and everything inside it will be theirs, only to find valuable items missing.

There is no federal law that clearly states whether personal items inside auctioned vehicles must be included in the sale. Federal auction partners typically sell items "As-Is/Where-Is", meaning buyers receive the vehicle and whatever is inside at the time of sale, unless the listing specifies otherwise.

Planning to buy an auctioned car? Here's what you need to know

Buying a car at auction can sometimes feel like winning the lottery, but buyers need to do their homework to avoid disappointment.

1. Research local statutes

Understand who owns the car's contents at auction. Some cities allow original owners to claim items up until the moment of sale; others may automatically include personal property with the vehicle.

2. Ask clear questions

If you are bidding on a vehicle because of specific items pictured inside it, like Howell did, contact the auctioning agency before placing your bid. Ask whether those items are guaranteed to come with the vehicle.

3. Get it in writing if possible

If an auction house or government agency says items are included, try to get that in writing. Verbal assurances may not hold up if disputes arise after the purchase.

4. Inspect if allowed

Some auctions allow potential buyers to inspect the vehicles in person or virtually. Use that opportunity to check for the items you are interested in and clarify any doubts.

5. Manage your expectations

Auction vehicles, especially impounded ones, are typically sold as is. Personal items, even if pictured, may not be guaranteed to be included when you purchase.

While federal auctions typically include everything inside the vehicle unless noted otherwise, state and local rules can vary widely. If you're bidding on a car for what's inside it, be sure to ask questions and read the fine print, because once the gavel drops, what's missing may be gone for good.