Claremore Man Says He Hasn't Driven In 5 Years, But Charged New York Toll

A Claremore man is having a New York problem.

Bill Beckley says the Port Authority of New York has threatened to arrest him if he doesn't take care of $115 toll, but Beckley says he's never even been to the East Coast.

Beckley has been disabled and on a fixed income since 2008. The Port Authority of New York says he owes it money.

Beckley admits he lives a simple life, only leaving his Claremore home to visit family, go to church, or add to his collection of ceramic angels.

"I'm on Social Security disability now...because I do a lot falling, my legs just go numb and I fall down," Beckley said.

So imagine his surprise when he received this letter from the Port Authority of New York.

It says he owes $115 on an unpaid toll from October.

"I called them and I said, 'I've never been to New York,'" Beckley said. "And they kept saying, 'Yes, you have. Yes, you have.'"

Beckley hasn't been able to drive since a car accident five years ago, and before then, the farthest east he says he's gone is to Kentucky, never to New York.

"I don't even know how to get there from here," Beckley said.

He's been trying to clear up the issue but the Port Authority is holding its ground, even sending him another letter and picture from the toll booth.

But if you look closely the letters are not consistent.

The first letter has his license plate number as 2P4255, the second says its 294255 but the image showing the truck matches the first letter.

As for that picture, it seems to clearly show a semi, but Beckley doesn't own a big rig, just this Toyota Highlander and its license plate clearly indicates a disability.

"They said if I don't pay this $115 they'll be a warrant for my arrest," Beckley said. "I think that's crazy."

Beckley doesn't know if the Port Authority has incorrect records or if someone has stolen his identity.

Either way he just wants answers.

"I feel like I'm so worn down because all of the doors that I've tried, they're shutting, and nobody wants to give me any information," Beckley said.