Pueblo looks to expand ‘nuisance vehicle’ policy

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- The City of Pueblo is currently reviewing an ordinance that would allow Pueblo Police to seize vehicles involved in certain crimes, allowing officers to impound vehicles for up to six months.

The ordinance says the vehicles that are susceptible to seizure are defined as 'nuisance' vehicles.

Currently, nuisance vehicles in Pueblo include vehicles involved in speeding contests and drive-by crimes. If the ordinance is passed by City Council, it will also include vehicles caught eluding police.

For police, temporary seizures act as a deterrent for future crimes and interrupting continuing unlawful activity.

“Criminals have to face those consequences [from their crimes] but they still have that [vehicle] available to them," said Sgt. Franklyn Ortega with the Pueblo Police Department. "If this ordinance passes, it takes away the vehicle from them. So they can no longer drive reckless.”

The Pueblo Municipal Courts would issue a temporary restraining order, which can be challenged by the registered owner of the vehicle.

Ortega says this ordinance does not apply to those who have their vehicles stolen. If a stolen vehicle is used in a crime and seized by police, the rightful owner will be able to retrieve the vehicle as soo as it is convenient.

The cost of impounding nuisance vehicles would be paid for by the registered owner of the vehicle.