SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Oregon State Police investigating reports of stolen vehicles searched three locations associated with a Salem-based towing company.
The Statesman Journal reports that authorities searched the properties associated with Gone Towing. Two are in North Salem, and one is in Marion County.
Neighbors told KOIN 6 News they watched as the Oregon State Police descende on the tow company Friday and then removed tow trucks and some vehicles. OSP also served warrants at 2 other locations also connected with Gone Towing in their stolen vehicle investigation.
One neighbor, Kelly Kirk, said he “thought it was weird that people whose cars were towed didn’t come get them. Now I know why.”
He said a couple weeks ago “I was in my kitchen and suddenly a truck came right through the fence.”
One of the owners, Sierra Akers, says the accusations stem from a dissatisfied customer who didn’t want to pay for repairs.
The other owner, Michael Selmer, is a registered sex offender. In 2008, he was convicted of vehicle theft, first-degree theft and two counts of second-degree sexual abuse.
Investigators called this case “very dynamic” and “involves potentially more victims and more potential crimes” than initially thought.
So far, no one has been arrested.
Anyone who has complaints is urged to contact OSP.
Just this month a new state law took effect that protects drivers against predatory towing. A private property owner would have to give written permission for a car to be towed.
