Watch CBS News

CBS2 Exclusive: Man Says Long Island Mechanic Took His Car For 97 MPH Joyride

WEST ISLIP, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A furious car owner on Long Island says his dealership took him for a ride -- literally.

Joe Fradella says that after he dropped his $34,000 car off for routine service, a mechanic went on a nearly 100 mph joyride -- and it was all caught on a dashboard camera, CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff reported exclusively.

Fradella calls his Chrysler 300 his baby. It's the first new car he's ever owned, which is why he bought the dash cam to safeguard it.

When he got the car back from Atlantic Chrysler Jeep Dodge in West Islip and it had bumper damage, he went to the video recording.

"As I'm watching it, I'm getting more and more aggravated," Fradella said.

The video shows a mechanic taking his car for a spin, leaving the lot, hitting busy Sunrise Highway and clocking high speeds.

"Doing 97 mph up and down Sunrise Highway, no regard for the people around him, for himself, for my property," Fradella said.

The mechanic in uniform is then seen making a pit stop at an apartment complex. A personal errand?

"Everybody deserves a lunch break, but why are you using my vehicle?" Fradella said.

The 20-minute jaunt continues back to the shop, as the mechanic weaved in and out of traffic, passing cars in all lanes.

"This was a joyride," Fradella said. "This was a personal use of my vehicle. He could've wrecked my car. He could've hurt somebody, killed somebody."

The dealership fixed Fradella's bumper. He considers the experience a scary wake-up call.

AAA agrees, recommending car owners take a picture of their mileage before handing over their keys to a mechanic or parking attendant.

"You're taking a chance.  You're putting your vehicle in somebody else's hands, and you cannot be 100 percent certain that what they're going to do is the right thing," AAA spokesman Robert Sinclair.

AAA added that it's important to have enough insurance so that if anyone does drive your car without your knowledge and incurs serious damage, you are protected.

An attorney for Atlantic Chrysler Jeep Dodge said the mechanic's 20-minute "test drive" is not unusual, but driving above the speed limit is unacceptable. He said the mechanic is still employed at the dealership and was disciplined.

"It happened to me. It's happening to other people, and people need to realize they have to watch," Fradella said.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.