Kentucky Man Says Mechanic Shop and Dealership Crushed His Two Vehicles Left for Repairs
FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY — A Kentucky man is demanding answers after discovering that two of his vehicles, which he left for repairs at a mechanic shop and used car dealership hybrid business, were unexpectedly scrapped without his consent.
Shawn Long of Frankfort said he dropped off both cars, including a 1990s Chevy Lumina APV minivan, on July 20 for repair work. He claims he had an agreement with Thonsom Clark Bernandez, identified in police reports, that the vehicles were to be fixed, not disposed of.
Agreement for Repairs Turns Into Disappearance
According to Long, Bernandez assured him that the shop was working on the cars and that repairs would be made. Long said he frequently drove by the shop to check on progress and occasionally spoke with Bernandez by phone.
“He was going to fix ’em and get them running and then I would go from there,” Long told reporters. But by mid-August, communication with the shop abruptly stopped.
On August 19, Long returned to the property and found the business completely empty. That’s when he realized something was wrong.
Vehicles Worth $15,000 Scrapped
Law enforcement later informed Long that both of his vehicles had already been sent to a scrap facility, with a combined estimated value of $15,000.
“It’s not pleasant to hear my cars have been scrapped, that’s for sure,” Long said. “But at least now there is some work being done on it.”
The bizarre case has left Long frustrated, questioning how vehicles left for legitimate repair could end up destroyed without proper authorization.
Police Investigation Underway
Police confirmed they are investigating the case, though no charges have been filed. The situation raises questions about consumer protection, auto repair accountability, and property rights, particularly when businesses close suddenly or fail to notify customers.
For now, Long is left without his vehicles, and authorities continue to look into whether any criminal activity may have occurred.
The case has highlighted the risks of entrusting valuable property to unverified businesses. For more updates on Kentucky investigations and consumer rights stories, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.