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Tow company owner arrested, allegedly targeted Gay Days visitors' cars

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — The owner of an Orange County towing company has been arrested and is accused of targeting drivers who were parked near Gay Days events in June.

Jason Combs, the owner of ASAP Towing, didn't say anything as he was escorted to a deputy's patrol car.

"Jason, were you targeting people at gay days?" Channel 9 reporter Jeff Deal asked.

The Sheriff's Office said Combs illegally towed cars from a lot on International Drive across from the DoubleTree hotel. It was the site of the annual Gay Days celebration that took place between June 5 and June 9.

"He had no authority to tow vehicles from that property during the time he took those people's cars," said Cpl. Rick Schmeltzer with the Sheriff's Office.

Investigators said ASAP Towing is a "predatory" tow company and Combs targeted dozens of people because of their sexual orientation.

"A lot of customers were angry they were getting their cars towed illegally," Schmeltzer said. "Some of them felt they were intimidated because of their sexual orientation."

According to deputies, Combs did not have a contract to do towing at the lot. He's facing nearly 100 grand theft auto charges and is being held on a $51,000 bond at the Orange County Jail.