Crime & Safety

Mountain Woman Accused of Robbery and Assault with a Deadly Weapon at Tow Yard

A woman who had her vehicle towed and impounded for parking in a red zone in Lake Arrowhead Village refused to pay cash or use a credit card to get it back.

Instead, Ellen Marie Francisco, 49, of Arrowbear, was arrested on suspicion of robbery and assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly taking her vehicle from the tow company, driving into an employee, and knocking him down, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Francisco's 2001 Suzuki Grand Vitara was towed on Sunday, and she went to Arrowhead Towing to retrieve her vehicle on Monday Aug. 5, CHP Officer Alfredo Chen said in a statement.

"Arrowhead Towing refused to accept payment by check and requested she pay by cash or credit card," Chen said. "Ms. Francisco refused and left the building."

Francisco walked across the street, into the storage yard where she located her vehicle, got in and started the vehicle, according to Chen.

"George Zavala of Arrowhead Towing was walking toward the storage yard when he encountered Ms. Francisco as she was driving out," Chen said. "Ms. Francisco stopped briefly before accelerating forward, knocking Mr. Zavala to the ground."

Francisco drove to Running Springs where she was spotted by a CHP officer who followed her to the Running Springs Post Office, Chen said. She was arrested about 5 p.m. Monday and booked at the Big Bear jail, where she remained Tuesday morning. Her bail was $100,000.

Arrowhead Towing is on Crest Forest Drive in Crestline.


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