A car wash intended to raise funds for softball team for the homeless struck out Saturday when the city stepped in and stopped it.

With about 10 cars in line and $245 in donations already raised, the car washing came to an abrupt halt when a city stormwater quality technician dropped by Lawrence Community Shelter, 214 W. 10th St.

No one had obtained a permit to hold a car wash.

“I had absolutely no idea that anything like this was needed,” said Kelly Henly, case manager at the shelter, who came up with the idea for the car wash and the softball game. “I grew up doing car washes, and I never heard about this.”

The city technician also said someone would be back Monday to issue a citation for conducting the car wash without a permit, Henly said.

The car wash began at 11 a.m. and was shut down about 2 p.m. Henly said. It was scheduled to go until 3 p.m.

“There were so many of my clients and guests here who were excited about this,” Henly said. “This was very disappointing.”

• Homeless to wash cars for softball team funds (07-30-05)

About a dozen people, including the homeless, were involved in the car wash, Henly said.

In addition to the money that was already raised, a bat and a couple of balls had been donated, she said.

Nevertheless, plans for a softball game or another fundraiser are on hold until the shelter finds out if a citation is issued and what the possible fine might be.

Henly said she didn’t check with City Hall about the need for a permit because she had no idea one was necessary.

“I’ve been spreading the word about this for two and a half weeks, and nobody mentioned that a permit was needed,” she said.

In an apparently unrelated matter, police responded to the shelter about noon to break up a fight, and one person was arrested on suspicion of battery, Sgt. Mark Warren said. Police were not involved in shutting down the car wash, he said.