‘I just want it back’, shouts driver with car locked in store – he can see out the window, police say nothing they can do

An auto repair shop closed abruptly after the owner died late last year – two customers’ cars are trapped inside and no one has the keys.

Both say the solution is simple: open the door so they can leave.

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Marcel Gapa and Giuseppe Grassi were the last two customers of Phill Russo’s body shop, Phill Russo Auto Body Collision and Complete Auto Repair, in Garden City Park, Long Island.

Russo passed away suddenly late last year, resulting in the store closing while his daughters were involved in a legal battle over ownership of the store.

As a result, Gapa and Grassi can see their cars through the window, but cannot enter.

Grassi’s classic Ford Mustang collects dust next to Gapa’s white Chevrolet Avalanche pickup truck.

“We just want to get our cars back,” said Grassi News 12 Long Island.

“It’s just…that’s it, it’s that simple.”

The Avalanche de Gapa is his only vehicle and, despite paying insurance, he relies on his girlfriend for a ride.

“It’s very simple,” said Gapa, echoing Grassi.

“Just release the cars. Release other people’s property.”

Gapa feels slighted because her estate is involved in a family matter of which she is not a part.

“Our property has nothing to do with a family quarrel.”

The two vehicle owners attempted to contact police but were rebuffed as the matter was civil.

Hiring a lawyer is not an option, as neither can afford legal fees.

They both hope that someone with a key will hear their plight and open the doors.

“They are just asking for ransom for our cars,” Grassi said.

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“They’re just holding them and not releasing them. We’re still trying to figure out why.”

News 12 attempted to contact Russo’s daughters who were fighting for the store.

One confirmed that she did not have the key, while the other did not respond to the vehicle query.

Until the matter is resolved, all Grassi and Gapa can do is continue to wait.