Sheriff’s Office mission targets illegal & predatory towing operations in Happy Valley; three arrested

Date

8/7/2025

Tow Truck Mission

On July 30, 2025, the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office led a coordinated enforcement operation targeting illegal and predatory towing companies operating without required state licensing in Happy Valley.

This joint operation, conducted in partnership with regulatory agencies including the Oregon State Board of Towing and Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV), aimed to protect consumers from unlicensed towing businesses that often engage in predatory and illegal practices. These unlawful operators not only put the public at risk, but they also undercut licensed towing companies and are frequently associated with other criminal activity.

Oregon law (ORS 822.200) requires tow companies that operate for direct or indirect compensation to be licensed through the Oregon Department of Transportation and the State Board of Towing. Violating this law is a Class A misdemeanor. Companies that tow vehicles they do not own, especially if wrecked, abandoned, or disabled, are subject to this licensing requirement. Those who present themselves as legitimate towing businesses while unlicensed are also in violation.

All of the businesses identified in the July 30 operation had previously received formal warning letters from the State Board of Towing, advising them they were out of compliance and subject to criminal prosecution. Despite these notices, the companies continued to operate without obtaining the proper licensing.

Operation Results:

3 individuals arrested for Operating an Illegal Towing Business (ORS 822.200)
2 tow trucks towed, including 1 impounded
1 driver cited for no driver’s license, expired vehicle registration, and failing to register a vehicle
5 illegal towing operations identified and referred for civil penalties/enforcement
19 commercial vehicle safety violations discovered during 3 vehicle inspections

The Sheriff’s Office and our contract city partners at the Happy Valley and Wilsonville Police Departments worked together with the Oregon City Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Clackamas County Motor Carrier Safety, Oregon State Board of Towing, and Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV).

This enforcement mission was carried out to protect consumers, ensure tow trucks on our roads are safe and legal, hold violators accountable, and ensure fairness for licensed and law-abiding towing companies.

If you have been victim of a predatory tow or want to report suspected illegal activity involving a tow truck, email: compliance@towboard.oregon.gov

[END]

Brian McCall, Public Information Officer
Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office
Communications Unit