Was it a national tow truck? probably... nothing is too harsh for those scumbags.
the vultures sit there in clearways and hook cars up a few minutes before they are allowed to and drive off the absolute second the clock ticks over.
It's illegal but challenging it is not easy.
also, no way in hell anyone is taking my car while i'm standing there unless they are actual cops.
I am aware of their tricks so I NEVER park in clearways, and the one time I nearly had the car taken (mentioned earlier) I KNEW it was a clearway at 4:30, returned to my car at 4:25 and he was already on the ground trying to work out where to put the chain... hence my fury