(A) When an officer discovers a vehicle in the possession of a person other than the owner and the person cannot establish his or her right to the possession of this vehicle, the vehicle shall be taken to and stored in suitable place. The Bureau shall be notified within 72 hours of the location and description of the vehicle. Upon receipt of notification, the Bureau shall cause a search to be made to determine and notify the owner in accordance with I.C. 9-22-1.
(B) If the owner of the vehicle cannot be determined, the Bureau shall declare the vehicle abandoned and provide for its disposal in accordance with the State Abandoned Vehicle Act, being I.C. 9-22-1.
(C) If the properly identified owner or lien holder appears at the site of storage before disposal of the vehicle or parts and pays all proper costs incurred against it at the time, then the vehicle or parts shall be released. A copy of the release must contain the owner or lien holder’s signature, name, address, vehicle or parts description, costs and the date of release.
(D) If the vehicle is not released to the owner or lien holder, the Bureau will declare the vehicle abandoned and provide for disposal in accordance with the State Abandoned Vehicle Act, being I.C. 9-22-1.
(Ord. passed 9-1-2006)