Police: Woman arrested for handicapped-parking violation

[momofsixangels]

The familiar blue, handicapped-only signs in front of the most coveted parking spaces near the entrances of buildings, restaurants and bars warn violators that their cars could be towed and they could be fined up to $250.

What the signs don't say is that drivers could be arrested.

Ashley Hickey, 24, of Altamonte Springs, learned this late Tuesday night when she was arrested on charges of fraudulently using a handicap permit to park in a lot on Garland Avenue in Downtown Orlando.

The parking lot at 26 South Garland Avenue has a history of parking violations, Hickey's arrest report says.

According to the report, a police officer saw Hickey's black 2007 two-door BMW in the handicap space in the parking lot near the downtown bar district. He scanned the parking decal and determined that the owner of the decal was dead.

A tow truck came to remove the car just as Hickey was walking back. Police say she took off running toward the car and told police she parked in the space because she was picking up her mother and grandmother, the owner of the decal.

When the officer told her he already scanned the decal and determined the owner was not alive, she first said she must have grabbed the wrong permit and that she was picking up her living grandmother.

She later changed her story and admitted that she was only picking up her mother who had asthma but did not have a permit to park in handicap spaces.

Hickey was arrested and granted $250 bail.

Her car was towed. Inside police found a loaded handgun in a holster in Hickey's glove compartment and a radar detector.

The gun was also legal and the report said police confiscated it for safekeeping but Hickey can pick it up with proper identification.

The charge for illegally using a handicap decal is a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to a year in jail and/or a fine up to $1,000.

[KenzieQsMommy]

What a jerk!

[kerryket]

Good, glad she got busted, glad it was made public, it might make people think.

[tayanddyl]

The fact that she lied should have been additional charges

[copperswifey]

Good she should get arrested. I hate when people park in those spots and there is nothing wrong with them.

[slw123]

The sheer laziness of some people is ridiculous.  I even get mad at my FIL for 'abusing' the handicap permit that they have for my MIL.  We were all in the car together and my FIL needed to stop off at Wal-Mart.  He parked in a handicap spot even though he was the only one getting out of the car.  He isn't handicapped, only my MIL is.  I don't think he should park in a handicap spot (even though she is with him) when he's the only one getting out of the car.  Those spots are precious few as it is and should be left open for those who truly need them.

[Kmakksmom]

Interesting!