Delbert W. Hargis Jr. parked his car Tuesday in City Center Mall so he could pop into Stream for a five-minute visit. That was plenty of time for Blair's Towing to commandeer his bluish-green Dodge Caravan.

"They've been really aggressive in this parking lot," said Mr. Hargis, Black River, who thought it was permissible to park there.

The motorist argued his case, saying he had intended to purchase soda from the nearby Family Dollar.

"They said, 'Well, you should have gone to Family Dollar first,'" he recalled.

Now Mr. Hargis is fighting back. He's made himself a one-man sentry, keeping a watchful eye for customers equally confused by the lot's strict restrictions. The multiple signs state clearly that parking is reserved for City Center Mall customers and that vehicles are subject to tow. City Center Mall includes Family Dollar, the Word of Life Church and Carthage Federal Savings Bank — but not, apparently, Stream, located upstairs over the businesses.

Mr. Hargis estimated he had saved at least 15 motorists from being forced to pay the $107.75 towing charge during his eight-hour shift Thursday. He lamented the two he heard were towed before he arrived. Jefferson County Court personnel, who work across the street, said at least 10 cars were whisked away by the tow company Wednesday. Mr. Hargis said he stood guard only two hours that day, but saved six unsuspecting motorists.

Gary E. Juster, the Tarrytown developer who owns the lot, said County Court and County Office Building patrons have been usurping spots for years.

"The tenants that were there were complaining and we were told by many people that there was no space to park," he said. Mr. Juster said his representatives tried to ask people nicely to move their cars, but they were rebuffed. He hired the tow company about eight months ago.

"We have somebody there," the developer said of the tow truck company's scout. "If he sees someone going across the street, he's authorized to tow the car."

Mr. Juster disputed Mr. Hargis's version of events, without speaking about him specifically.

"It's very clear if someone is parked there for hours," the developer said. "We don't just tow in 10 minutes."

A representative of Blair's Towing, Black River, could not be reached for comment.