"BLOCKED IN - FBI agents in Lancaster wanted to let a driver know that they don't want citizens parking in spaces set aside for official use. They made their point with a government vehicle blocking the errant SUV." Submitted photo
Posted on 06/18/2005 4:22:27 PM PDT by BenLurkin
LANCASTER - It's not enough that there's a global war on terror and a fight for homeland security. Have you ever tried to find a parking place in central Lancaster? FBI agents are finicky enough about their parking perquisites that they'll block your car in if you invade their space.
"They do this all the time," said Claudia Brower, who works in the complex with the G-men.
On Thursday afternoon, a white BMW sport-utility vehicle parked in a corner spot near a median in the center of the lot. The centrally located space enjoys shade from a small tree. A sign on a nearby light standard warns motorists that spots there are "reserved parking only."
A gray sedan that belongs to a FBI agent parked behind the BMW, blocking it from exiting the spot. The agent left a business card on the BMW's windshield with a handwritten message on the back: "You've parked in a reserved FBI (parking) space."
Brower called the Lancaster Sheriff's Station about the sedan and was told to call a tow truck. She said this is perhaps the second time this month that an official government vehicle has blocked a parked car.
Deputy Mark Dunkel of the Lancaster Sheriff's Station traffic division said the department does not get involved in a parking dispute on private property.
"We're going to let them worry about their private lot," Dunkel said.
A co-worker of Brower's called the tow service, but was afraid to give her name.
"I said just give them my name. I didn't care," Brower said. "Now I care."
A tow truck arrived, but the sedan wasn't towed.
Timothy Hayes, a professional with offices in the complex, said three agents who did not identify themselves came into his office to inquire about the tow truck. He said he felt threatened by what he described as "intimidating behavior."
"Don't mess with the FBI. You'll lose," Hayes said one of the agents told him.
"It was a demeanor that I didn't expect," Hayes said.
Hayes' receptionist, Nikisha West, who was sitting near the entrance of the office, said she, too, felt threatened.
Hayes spoke out about the incident, he said, because he was concerned about his family - his wife works in the office - and staff. He said he felt intimidated by the agents and would like an apology from the FBI for his family and staff.
"We are authorized to have that parking spot because it is part of our lease," FBI spokeswoman Vickie Hampton-Franklin said. "The woman who was blocked did not take issue with this at all."
She added that FBI agents do carry guns and if a firearm was visible, it wasn't meant to signal any intent to threaten.
"There were no threats that were made," she said.
Bob Drew, an assistant to FSG Property Management, the owners of part of the property, confirmed the FBI's lease agreement with the previous owner allows them parking spaces.
"The lease gave them five spaces. Everybody signed it," Drew said. He acknowledged that "people are parking in their spaces, which they have every right to do."
He confirmed the center's covenants, conditions and restrictions preclude any parking spaces from being designated for one person. Parking is supposed to be for all tenants and their visitors. "I think the lease would override the CC&Rs," he added.
"I don't know why they didn't go by the CC&Rs," Drew said. He added, however, that the new owner is "being really good about trying to ease the tensions over there" and hopes to move the reserved parking to a spot that's not as busy.
The business complex is zoned for professional and medical uses with limited retail. The center's conditional-use permit on file with the city includes a shared-parking agreement with tenants, which means anyone can park there, said Brian St. John, a senior code enforcement officer.
The only time parking can be restricted would be for a limited time, such as for a dry cleaner, but then anyone could still park in that spot for the time allowed, he added.
"BLOCKED IN - FBI agents in Lancaster wanted to let a driver know that they don't want citizens parking in spaces set aside for official use. They made their point with a government vehicle blocking the errant SUV." Submitted photo
Its an SUV, hop the friggin' curb.
That's what I was thinking, but there is probably a car parked directly in front of the SUV on the other side of the median.
Um. Don't park in reserved spots, unless you're the one holding the reservation.
Most commercial leases have what is called a 'reciprocal parking' agreement. Ordinarily that means that any tenant or guest can park in any parking spot.
They better be careful. FBI agents have been known to shoot innocent folks without suffering any consequences.
Maybe he's a lawyer.
Whatever, commissar... I wouldn't put up with that kind of crap.
Wrong, assuming the CCR's were entered into first.
"Maybe he's a lawyer."
Like I said...
The tires on that SUV, like most, never leave pavement. So its like a condom in a geeks wallet, its never used!
The tow truck guy should have handed the agent his lawyer's business card. One should always have one of those in one's wallet. I would have told the G-man to take it to court. Loathing lawyers is all fine and dandy until one needs one.
I probably would have keyed the car and let the air out of the tires.
Why did you post that to me, using a quote I never typed?
I agree. For many of the same reasons, I maintain my toilet's mechanical parts with care.
LOL. Rimshot, and a good one.
From Deep Throat on down, FBI agents are pigs. They are a necessary evil, but they are pigs.
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