Predatory/illegal Towing

Location: San Bernardino County, California

Hello, I live in a mobile home park and parked my car in the fire lane while unloading groceries. I was towed as a result. That's not my issue, I get it.

However, I came out of my home as the tow truck driver was leaving. I ran and intercepted him before he left the mobile home property. I didn't know about the "drop fee" at the time, but per California Vehicle Code 22658 (g)(1)(B) he should have dropped my vehicle immediately as he had not reached the public street yet. He should have dropped it for free or for a max of 1/2 the standard tow rate. Since he did not, that became a misdemeanor offense on his part.

I ended up paying $643 to get my vehicle back later that same day. I tried writing "paid in protest" on my receipt but the receptionist would not accept that and essentially forced a clean signature to release my vehicle.

My question is, do I have a case here for maybe small claims court? I tried calling law enforcement to report the tow as illegal but they said they don't get involved in private property matters. When I called again and tried explain it was a misdemeanor offense, they said there's no such thing as a "drop code" and once it's hooked up there's nothing PD can do. They don't get involved. I mentioned the code but again, they just dismiss me as "there's no such thing." Am I understanding this code out of context? I don't expect them to arrest him or do anything really, I just wanted to know if that was in fact illegal on the tow company's part.

I can see if my neighbor's camera got the footage of me getting to the truck before they left property, but otherwise my husband, brother-in-law, and another neighbor were present. I also spoke with the property manager right after the tow company took my car.