An abandoned car lingered for months in a Denver neighborhood and residents seized the opportunity brought by this holiday season to help the derelict sedan stand out. Residents tell KDVR the Chevy Impala sat in the same spot for “about three months,” gathering dust and generally being a nuisance. An unknown person (or group) festooned the car with Christmas decorations in hopes of drawing the city’s attention and finally getting the car towed. The plan worked.
It only took twelve weeks and a little holiday spirit, but the stunt forced the city to notice the abandoned car, and a tow truck took the Impala over the weekend. In a local news segment, KDVR reporters said that the “neighbors got their gift for Christmas, after all.”
Besides the tinsel, stockings and Christmas lights mysteriously hung on the car, there were also gift bows and a sign crudely taped to the rear glass. The tinsel spelled out “TOW,” while the note read “Abandoned! Please tow for X Mas.” It was signed “The Neighborhood,” but no residents took credit for the stunt in the KDVR segment.
In the footage, it’s clear that the ninth-generation Chevy Impala was abandoned due to a major mechanical breakdown. Its front right tire seems to be partially separated from the car’s suspension, and that same side is sagging precariously.
As if the long time the car spent abandoned wasn’t enough, one neighborhood resident said the car sat far off the curb, adding to the annoyance. Per KDVR:
“The fact that it’s two feet off the curb as well, you know, it has a parking ticket so someone noticed it on a municipal level,” said neighbor Alden Schiller. […] “I called 311 about it and let them know, and nothing has come of it,” said Schiller.
It’s the second call Schiller made to the city. A week later he came outside and saw the car decked out in holiday cheer.
“I was 100% surprised,” Schiller said. “Some festive people, could have been anybody, decorated it.” […] “We’ve seen abandoned cars in the neighborhood before, not with the broken wheel like this. Typically Denver is pretty good about moving a vehicle, but this one is a bit of a lingerer,” Schiller said.
Alden Schiller called the city’s 311 line, but that wasn’t enough to get a tow truck out there. Other residents called in as well, and the Denver Sheriff’s Department reportedly received five different phone calls asking for the car to be towed.
The Sheriff’s Department claimed it was planning to investigate the abandoned car on Tuesday morning, but a crew arrived Sunday evening to finally tow the festive car out of the neighborhood. Merry Christmas, busted Impala. May your speakers blast some José Feliciano come Christmas day.
