Salem Police Dept.

Emergency Messages as of 5:55 AM, Sun. Sep 21

No information currently posted.

logo

Subscribe to receive FlashAlert messages from Salem Police Dept..

Manage my existing Subscription

News Release

Multi-state Vandalism Suspect Faces Local Charges - 09/20/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

DATE: September 20, 2025  

 

Multi-state vandalism suspect faces local charges 

 

Salem, Ore. — On September 11, 2025, Salem Police responded to Mercedes & Acura of Salem on Commercial Street SE after a suspect was caught on video damaging approximately 35 vehicles, causing an estimated $55,000 in damage. 

 

On September 14, a similar incident occurred at BMW of Salem on Van Ness Avenue NE, where another 35 vehicles were damaged, resulting in an estimated $100,000 in damage. At least 20 individual victims have been identified in addition to the dealership property. 

 

The Felony Crimes Unit identified the suspect as Brian Del Werner, 32, of Kalispell, MT. He was arrested on September 15 by the Portland Police Bureau for DUII and other charges and was also jailed on a warrant out of Flathead County, Montana, where he is the suspect in a similar vandalism spree involving gunfire. 

 

Werner was interviewed at the Multnomah County Jail and is awaiting extradition to Montana. He will now face multiple counts of Criminal Mischief in the First Degree in Marion County. 

 

Victims who have not reported to police are asked to file a supplemental report online using the link or QR code below. Please reference the following individual case number for the dealership your vehicle was at. 

 

Mercedes/Acura case: SMP25079703            BMW case: SMP25080551 

 

https://secure.coplogic.com/dors/startreport/300010795/300029868/en  

 

Picture 243946263, Picture 

 

# # # 

Multi-state Vandalism Suspect Faces Local Charges - 09/20/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

DATE: September 20, 2025  

 

Multi-state vandalism suspect faces local charges 

 

Salem, Ore. — On September 11, 2025, Salem Police responded to Mercedes & Acura of Salem on Commercial Street SE after a suspect was caught on video damaging approximately 35 vehicles, causing an estimated $55,000 in damage. 

 

On September 14, a similar incident occurred at BMW of Salem on Van Ness Avenue NE, where another 35 vehicles were damaged, resulting in an estimated $100,000 in damage. At least 20 individual victims have been identified in addition to the dealership property. 

 

The Felony Crimes Unit identified the suspect as Brian Del Werner, 32, of Kalispell, MT. He was arrested on September 15 by the Portland Police Bureau for DUII and other charges and was also jailed on a warrant out of Flathead County, Montana, where he is the suspect in a similar vandalism spree involving gunfire. 

 

Werner was interviewed at the Multnomah County Jail and is awaiting extradition to Montana. He will now face multiple counts of Criminal Mischief in the First Degree in Marion County. 

 

Victims who have not reported to police are asked to file a supplemental report online using the link or QR code below. Please reference the following individual case number for the dealership your vehicle was at. 

 

Mercedes/Acura case: SMP25079703            BMW case: SMP25080551 

 

https://secure.coplogic.com/dors/startreport/300010795/300029868/en  

 

Picture 243946263, Picture 

 

# # # 

Felony Arrest Made In Park Avenue Gunfire Case - 09/18/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

DATE: September 18, 2025 

 

 

 

Felony arrest made in Park Avenue gunfire case 

 

Salem, Ore. - On July 13, 2025, Salem Police patrol responded to a report of gunfire near a residence on Park Avenue NE. Upon arrival, officers found no injuries but discovered that a bullet had struck a nearby home. The investigation determined the residence was not the intended target. 

 

The case was referred to the Strategic Investigations Unit for follow up and through the investigation detectives established probable cause to arrest Guadalupe Gabino Sanchez, 32, of Keizer. 

 

Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Sanchez and search warrants for associated property. On September 18, 2025, Salem SWAT assisted with the warrant service in Keizer. Sanchez was arrested and lodged on several felony charges. 

### 

 

Felony Arrest Made In Park Avenue Gunfire Case - 09/18/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

DATE: September 18, 2025 

 

 

 

Felony arrest made in Park Avenue gunfire case 

 

Salem, Ore. - On July 13, 2025, Salem Police patrol responded to a report of gunfire near a residence on Park Avenue NE. Upon arrival, officers found no injuries but discovered that a bullet had struck a nearby home. The investigation determined the residence was not the intended target. 

 

The case was referred to the Strategic Investigations Unit for follow up and through the investigation detectives established probable cause to arrest Guadalupe Gabino Sanchez, 32, of Keizer. 

 

Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Sanchez and search warrants for associated property. On September 18, 2025, Salem SWAT assisted with the warrant service in Keizer. Sanchez was arrested and lodged on several felony charges. 

### 

 

Pedestrian Dies In Early Morning Collision, Investigation Ongoing - 09/14/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

DATE: September 14, 2025 

 

Pedestrian dies in early morning collision, investigation ongoing 

 

Salem, Ore. — At approximately 2:19 a.m. on September 14, 2025, Salem police responded to the 4400 block of Commercial St SE following the report of a vehicle–pedestrian collision. 

According to a preliminary investigation by the Salem Police Traffic Team, a 2011 Mercedes SUV, driven by Cameron M. Smith, 27, of Salem, was traveling in the southbound lanes of Commercial St SE when his vehicle struck a pedestrian, Brittany Jade Hochstetler, 32, of Salem, who was in the roadway just south of Hilfiker Ln SE.  

Despite life-saving efforts by nearby witnesses and officers on scene, Hochstetler was pronounced deceased at the scene. Smith remained at the location and cooperated with investigators. Next of kin notification has been completed. 

The roadway remained closed during the investigation and reopened at approximately 4:30 a.m. 

The collision investigation is ongoing, and no additional details are available for release. 

This incident is Salem’s sixth fatal traffic collision of 2025, resulting in six fatalities. 

 

# # # 

 

Pedestrian Dies In Early Morning Collision, Investigation Ongoing - 09/14/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

DATE: September 14, 2025 

 

Pedestrian dies in early morning collision, investigation ongoing 

 

Salem, Ore. — At approximately 2:19 a.m. on September 14, 2025, Salem police responded to the 4400 block of Commercial St SE following the report of a vehicle–pedestrian collision. 

According to a preliminary investigation by the Salem Police Traffic Team, a 2011 Mercedes SUV, driven by Cameron M. Smith, 27, of Salem, was traveling in the southbound lanes of Commercial St SE when his vehicle struck a pedestrian, Brittany Jade Hochstetler, 32, of Salem, who was in the roadway just south of Hilfiker Ln SE.  

Despite life-saving efforts by nearby witnesses and officers on scene, Hochstetler was pronounced deceased at the scene. Smith remained at the location and cooperated with investigators. Next of kin notification has been completed. 

The roadway remained closed during the investigation and reopened at approximately 4:30 a.m. 

The collision investigation is ongoing, and no additional details are available for release. 

This incident is Salem’s sixth fatal traffic collision of 2025, resulting in six fatalities. 

 

# # # 

 

Shots Fired – SWAT And Crisis Negotiators Secure Safe Resolution In Salem Standoff (Photo) - 09/06/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: September 6, 2025

Shots fired – SWAT and Crisis Negotiators Secure Safe Resolution in Salem Standoff

Salem, Ore. —   At 1:33 p.m. today, officers responded to a reported burglary near the 4300 block of 25th Avenue NE. As officers arrived, a subject fired shots toward the responding officers. One round struck a ballistic shield held by an officer. While no officers were hit, one sustained minor injuries from debris caused by the gunfire. All involved personnel are expected to recover fully.

The Salem SWAT Team, including crisis negotiators, responded and assumed tactical command. Following a period of negotiation, the adult male subject surrendered and was taken into custody.

The subject, identified as Vincent Mendoza Chavez of Salem, 33, will be lodged at the Marion County Jail on charges of attempted aggravated murder, attempted assault on a public safety officer, and unlawful use of a weapon. The investigation is ongoing.

The Marion County District Attorney’s Office will release any additional information.

A special thanks to the Oregon State Police for providing assistance with additional personnel and equipment, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Keizer Police Department for responding to other calls for service in Salem during the incident.

# # #

Attached Media Files: SMP-2-SMP25077913.png,

Shots Fired – SWAT And Crisis Negotiators Secure Safe Resolution In Salem Standoff (Photo) - 09/06/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: September 6, 2025

Shots fired – SWAT and Crisis Negotiators Secure Safe Resolution in Salem Standoff

Salem, Ore. —   At 1:33 p.m. today, officers responded to a reported burglary near the 4300 block of 25th Avenue NE. As officers arrived, a subject fired shots toward the responding officers. One round struck a ballistic shield held by an officer. While no officers were hit, one sustained minor injuries from debris caused by the gunfire. All involved personnel are expected to recover fully.

The Salem SWAT Team, including crisis negotiators, responded and assumed tactical command. Following a period of negotiation, the adult male subject surrendered and was taken into custody.

The subject, identified as Vincent Mendoza Chavez of Salem, 33, will be lodged at the Marion County Jail on charges of attempted aggravated murder, attempted assault on a public safety officer, and unlawful use of a weapon. The investigation is ongoing.

The Marion County District Attorney’s Office will release any additional information.

A special thanks to the Oregon State Police for providing assistance with additional personnel and equipment, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Keizer Police Department for responding to other calls for service in Salem during the incident.

# # #

Attached Media Files: SMP-2-SMP25077913.png,

Caught At The Door – Robbery Suspect Nabbed Leaving Bank - 09/05/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: September 5, 2025

Caught at the door – Robbery suspect nabbed leaving bank

Salem, Ore. — A 75-year-old Salem man was arrested this afternoon, September 5, for robbing a downtown bank.

Just before 1:45 p.m., staff at the Willamette Valley Bank in the 100 block of High ST NE reported that a man handed a note to a teller demanding $200. After receiving the money, he walked out of the building.

A Salem officer at the Marion County Courthouse, heard the radio call, walked out, and saw the man outside the bank. When approached by responding officers, the suspect, Richard Kenneth Gorton, from Washington, laid down on the sidewalk and was arrested without incident.

Gorton was taken to the Marion County Jail and lodged on the charge of robbery.

For questions about this case, contact the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

# # #

Caught At The Door – Robbery Suspect Nabbed Leaving Bank - 09/05/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: September 5, 2025

Caught at the door – Robbery suspect nabbed leaving bank

Salem, Ore. — A 75-year-old Salem man was arrested this afternoon, September 5, for robbing a downtown bank.

Just before 1:45 p.m., staff at the Willamette Valley Bank in the 100 block of High ST NE reported that a man handed a note to a teller demanding $200. After receiving the money, he walked out of the building.

A Salem officer at the Marion County Courthouse, heard the radio call, walked out, and saw the man outside the bank. When approached by responding officers, the suspect, Richard Kenneth Gorton, from Washington, laid down on the sidewalk and was arrested without incident.

Gorton was taken to the Marion County Jail and lodged on the charge of robbery.

For questions about this case, contact the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.

# # #

Four Arrested Related To A Report Of Shots Fired In West Salem (Photo) - 09/02/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: September 2, 2025

Four arrested related to a report of shots fired in West Salem

Salem, Ore. — Salem Police officers responded to Wallace Marine Park late Monday evening after several callers reported hearing gunfire and stated that a female may have been shot. A witness reported four individuals were involved.

Officers canvassed the park and detained four people on the pedestrian bridge, three male juveniles, all age 17, and one male adult. The adult was identified as Grant Pizzuto, age 25. All four were from the Salem area. A loaded .45 caliber handgun was recovered from one of the juvenile males following a brief struggle. Another juvenile was in possession of a backpack, which the investigation indicated likely contained a short-barreled rifle. The handgun and rifle were seized and placed into evidence.

A search of the park was conducted by officers for any shooting victims with assistance of a drone. Additional evidence was located due to the search efforts; however, no injured individuals were found.

The juveniles were transported to the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center. Jurisdiction for juvenile conduct is with the County of residence, not necessarily where the conduct occurred.

The first juvenile’s charges include unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and interfering with a police officer.

The second juvenile’s charges include unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a short-barreled rifle, and unlawful use of a weapon.

The third juvenile’s charges include unlawful possession of a firearm.

Pizzuto was lodged at Marion County Jail for unlawful possession of a firearm.

The Salem Police Special Investigations Unit was notified. No further details are being released at this time.

# # #

Attached Media Files: SMP25076403.png,

Four Arrested Related To A Report Of Shots Fired In West Salem (Photo) - 09/02/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: September 2, 2025

Four arrested related to a report of shots fired in West Salem

Salem, Ore. — Salem Police officers responded to Wallace Marine Park late Monday evening after several callers reported hearing gunfire and stated that a female may have been shot. A witness reported four individuals were involved.

Officers canvassed the park and detained four people on the pedestrian bridge, three male juveniles, all age 17, and one male adult. The adult was identified as Grant Pizzuto, age 25. All four were from the Salem area. A loaded .45 caliber handgun was recovered from one of the juvenile males following a brief struggle. Another juvenile was in possession of a backpack, which the investigation indicated likely contained a short-barreled rifle. The handgun and rifle were seized and placed into evidence.

A search of the park was conducted by officers for any shooting victims with assistance of a drone. Additional evidence was located due to the search efforts; however, no injured individuals were found.

The juveniles were transported to the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center. Jurisdiction for juvenile conduct is with the County of residence, not necessarily where the conduct occurred.

The first juvenile’s charges include unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and interfering with a police officer.

The second juvenile’s charges include unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a short-barreled rifle, and unlawful use of a weapon.

The third juvenile’s charges include unlawful possession of a firearm.

Pizzuto was lodged at Marion County Jail for unlawful possession of a firearm.

The Salem Police Special Investigations Unit was notified. No further details are being released at this time.

# # #

Attached Media Files: SMP25076403.png,

Police Investigating Two Separate Overnight Fatal Shootings — UPDATE - 08/27/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: August 27, 2025

Update | 5:00 p.m.

Victims identified

Notifications to the families of the victims in today’s two homicide cases are now complete, allowing for the release of their names.

The victim in the first incident is identified as Nicholas Micheal MacFawn, age 30, of Salem.

The victim in the second incident is identified as Jacob Collazo, age 60. Collazo was known to live in a campsite at Wallace Marine Park.

Both investigations are ongoing, and no other information is available at this time.

# # #

Originally published 08/27/2025 | 6:45 a.m.

Police investigating two separate overnight fatal shootings

Salem, Ore. — Salem Police officers and detectives are investigating two separate homicide cases related to shooting incidents that occurred overnight.

1600 block 40th PL SE

At about 12:30 a.m. this morning, officers were dispatched to the scene of a collision in the area of 40th PL and Carson DR SE. A caller reported a crash and finding a person in the roadway. Arriving officers located an adult male with multiple gunshot wounds. The 30-year-old man was transported to Salem Health where he was later pronounced deceased.

Carson DR is closed between 40th PL and Coolidge DR SE and will remain closed for the next several hours for this active investigation.

Wallace Marine Park

Approximately one hour later, at 1:30 a.m., several callers reported gunfire at a homeless campsite in Wallace Marine Park. Officers responded to a wooded area in the northern portion of the park and located a man with multiple gunshot wounds. Due to the rugged terrain, officers carried the man out to awaiting paramedics who rendered aid. The victim, age 60, was transported to Salem Health where he later died from his injuries.

In both incidents, the victim’s name is being withheld pending notification to their family.

The Salem Police Violent Crimes Unit is leading these active investigations. Due to limited resources, the Oregon State Police Major Crimes Section is assisting with the homicide investigation at Wallace Marine Park.

In each case, detectives believe the incidents are isolated and unrelated. No further details are being released at present.

# # #

Police Investigating Two Separate Overnight Fatal Shootings — UPDATE - 08/27/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE: August 27, 2025

Update | 5:00 p.m.

Victims identified

Notifications to the families of the victims in today’s two homicide cases are now complete, allowing for the release of their names.

The victim in the first incident is identified as Nicholas Micheal MacFawn, age 30, of Salem.

The victim in the second incident is identified as Jacob Collazo, age 60. Collazo was known to live in a campsite at Wallace Marine Park.

Both investigations are ongoing, and no other information is available at this time.

# # #

Originally published 08/27/2025 | 6:45 a.m.

Police investigating two separate overnight fatal shootings

Salem, Ore. — Salem Police officers and detectives are investigating two separate homicide cases related to shooting incidents that occurred overnight.

1600 block 40th PL SE

At about 12:30 a.m. this morning, officers were dispatched to the scene of a collision in the area of 40th PL and Carson DR SE. A caller reported a crash and finding a person in the roadway. Arriving officers located an adult male with multiple gunshot wounds. The 30-year-old man was transported to Salem Health where he was later pronounced deceased.

Carson DR is closed between 40th PL and Coolidge DR SE and will remain closed for the next several hours for this active investigation.

Wallace Marine Park

Approximately one hour later, at 1:30 a.m., several callers reported gunfire at a homeless campsite in Wallace Marine Park. Officers responded to a wooded area in the northern portion of the park and located a man with multiple gunshot wounds. Due to the rugged terrain, officers carried the man out to awaiting paramedics who rendered aid. The victim, age 60, was transported to Salem Health where he later died from his injuries.

In both incidents, the victim’s name is being withheld pending notification to their family.

The Salem Police Violent Crimes Unit is leading these active investigations. Due to limited resources, the Oregon State Police Major Crimes Section is assisting with the homicide investigation at Wallace Marine Park.

In each case, detectives believe the incidents are isolated and unrelated. No further details are being released at present.

# # #