WHOOPS! Towing Operator on the Run After Failing to Show Up for Court

Anyone with information on the location of Michael Alan Selmer, should contact their local law enforcement non-emergency number, or the Oregon State Police.

Police are searching for 35-year-old Michael Alan Selmer, from Falls City, after he failed to show up for his first court appearance Wednesday morning at the Marion County Court Annex in Salem. Photo Courtesy: Marion County Jail

(SALEM, Ore. ) - A 35-year-old Polk County man under investigation for running an illegal towing operation and failing to register as a sex offender in Oregon, failed to show up for his first court appearance Wednesday morning at the Marion County Court Annex in Salem.

The Judge issued an immediate no bail arrest warrant for Michael Alan Selmer after he failed to appear.

Selmer, from Falls City, is the subject of an ongoing investigation after Oregon State Police received information he acquired two tow trucks and began advertising towing services in Salem and Independence areas without obtaining a towing certificate authorizing him to perform tow services.

His tow trucks displayed the name "Whoops! Towing" and he allegedly posted tow impound signs at various businesses in the Salem, Jefferson and Independence areas, using a spotter to call for tows before removing vehicles.

On July 8, state police arrested Selmer when he began to tow an undercover OSP vehicle from a parking lot. Selmer was lodged in Marion County Jail for Felony Failure to Register as a Sex Offender and Parole Violation.

New and additional charges related to the Oregon State Police investigation may be forthcoming following review by the Marion County District Attorney's Office.

Oregon State Police spokesman Lt. Gregg Hastings said this morning that they are aware of the situation and troopers will be on the lookout for Selmer, and urges anyone who knows of his whereabouts to contact local or state police immediately.

Anyone with information on the location of Selmer, should not approach him, and contact their local law enforcement agencies non-emergency number or dispatch.

Anyone with information related to the illegal towing investigation or have information on Selmer's locatation can also call Senior Trooper Doug Brown at (503) 378-3387 ext. 30500.