FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: December 27, 2025 

Driver Arrested for DUII in Fatal Crash on Lancaster Drive NE 

SALEM, Ore. — A woman was arrested following a crash early Saturday morning on Lancaster Drive NE that resulted in the death of her passenger. 

The crash occurred on December 27, 2025, at approximately 1:43 a.m., in the 1800 block of Lancaster Drive NE. A vehicle driven by Karlie Dolan, 33, of Salem, was traveling northbound on Lancaster Drive NE when it collided with the rear of a tow truck. 

The tow truck was stopped on the right-hand shoulder, loading an unrelated vehicle when it was struck. 

Dolan was transported to the hospital for evaluation. Her passenger, Trisha Hopkins, 51, of Salem, was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Officers determined Dolan was under the influence of alcohol, and preliminary tests indicated her blood alcohol content (BAC) was more than three times the legal limit of 0.08%. She was placed under arrest and later lodged at the Marion County Jail on charges of Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, and Manslaughter in the Second Degree. 

The Salem Police Traffic Team is leading the investigation. Northbound Lancaster Drive NE was closed between Market Street and Sunnyview Road for several hours during the investigation. Hopkins’ next of kin was notified by officers. 

This is the 11th fatal crash in Salem in 2025, resulting in 11 fatalities. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: December 23, 2025 

Strategic Investigations Unit Nets 13 Firearms and Significant Drug Haul 

Salem, Ore. — Salem Police detectives with the Strategic Investigations Unit served a search warrant on December 22, 2025, at a residence on 18th Street NE, resulting in the seizure of a significant quantity of firearms and illegal drugs. 

Salem detectives were working an ongoing case involving Juan Tenorio Jr., 40, of Salem, when they were notified, he was arrested on an outstanding parole violation warrant. At the time of his arrest, Tenorio was found in possession of approximately two pounds of methamphetamine and two handguns. 

On December 22, Salem Police detectives executed a search warrant at Tenorio’s residence. Investigators seized 13 firearms concealed throughout the home: 

In addition to the firearms, detectives seized a substantial quantity of illegal drugs, including: 

Tenorio remains in custody at the Marion County Jail, and the investigation remains ongoing. 

This operation is part of the Salem Police Department’s ongoing Community Violence Reduction Initiative (CVRI), which focuses on holding violent offenders accountable and reducing gun violence in the community. To date, Salem Police have seized more than 290 firearms in connection with criminal investigations this year, underscoring the department’s commitment to public safety and preventing further acts of violence. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

DATE: December 18, 2025 

Two Arrested After November Shooting - Detectives Remove Violent Offenders and Illegal Guns From Salem Streets 

SALEM, Ore. — Salem Police detectives arrested two Salem residents Wednesday in connection with a November 11 shooting that left a man injured. 

The incident began on November 11 when officers responded to multiple reports of shots fired near Broadway and Locust Streets NE. Witnesses reported vehicles fleeing the area, and shortly afterward, a 39‑year‑old Salem man was dropped off at Salem Hospital with a gunshot wound to the chest. Detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit, supported by investigators from the Strategic Investigations Unit, initiated an investigation, which led to the drafting of two search warrants.  

On December 17, around 3:00 p.m., Salem SWAT served a search warrant at the Beechwood Court S residence of Freedom Butler, 24, of Salem. Butler was taken into custody and faces charges of Assault in the First Degree, Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. During the operation, several people were detained. One of them, Austin Myers, 37, of Salem, was arrested on unrelated charges of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine. 

At approximately 5:00 p.m. the same day, Salem SWAT redeployed to serve a second warrant at the Liberty Street NE apartment of Dakota Butler‑Kota, 25, of Salem. Butler‑Kota surrendered without incident and was arrested on charges of Assault in the First Degree, Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. 

Detectives seized four firearms as part of this investigation. Butler, Myers, and Butler‑Kota were all transported to the Marion County Jail and lodged on their respective charges. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming. 

As part of the Community Violence Reduction Initiative, these arrests reflect the Salem Police Department’s ongoing commitment to holding violent offenders accountable and reducing gun violence in the community. Detectives and officers continue to pursue investigations, serve warrants, and make arrests to enhance public safety and prevent further acts of violence. To date, more than 270 firearms have been seized this year in connection with criminal investigations, underscoring the department’s focused efforts to curb gun‑related violence.

CVRI Link: https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/safety/police/building-trust-with-the-community/community-violence-reduction-initiative

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

DATE: December 16, 2025 

Arson Suspect Arrested Following Investigation into October Apartment Fire 

SALEM, Ore. — A 54-year-old Salem man is in custody following a felony arson investigation connected to an October apartment fire that endangered multiple residents and resulted in the deaths of three pets. 

On October 3, Salem Fire personnel and Salem patrol officers responded to a large structure fire at a four‑plex in the 200 block of Stoneway Drive NW. The fire began in the stairwell, blocking the primary exit for residents. Several individuals were forced to jump from a second‑story balcony to escape the smoke and flames. Due to the quick response and aggressive fire suppression by Salem Fire personnel, the fire was contained to the stairwell, minimizing damage to the overall structure. 

Felony Crimes Unit arson investigators, working closely with Salem Fire Deputy Fire Marshals, conducted an extensive investigation. Based on the investigation the fire was determined to be intentionally set. 

Calvin Tucker, 54, of Salem, was identified early in the investigation as a person of interest. Tucker provided statements during an interview, and investigators were able to establish probable cause to believe he was responsible for setting the fire. 

On December 16 at approximately 4:50 a.m., with assistance from patrol officers, Tucker was taken into custody without incident. 

Tucker will be lodged at the Polk County Jail on charges including four counts of Arson in the First Degree, three counts of Animal Abuse in the First Degree, and Reckless Endangering. 

The investigation remains ongoing. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: December 4, 2025 

 Woodburn Man Arrested for October Shooting at Local Pub  

SALEM, Ore. — A 21-year-old Woodburn man was taken into custody early Thursday morning following the service of a search warrant related to an October shooting incident. 

On October 11, 2025, Salem Police patrol officers responded to a report of a non-injury shooting at Lucky’s Pub at 3195 Liberty Road S. Officers determined that an earlier disturbance at the pub led to the suspect returning and firing multiple rounds, missing two intended victims.  

Detectives with the Strategic Investigations Unit were assigned the case and they identified the suspect as Isaac Gallegos, 21, of Woodburn. 

A warrant was obtained for Gallegos’ residence located in the 1000 block of Park Avenue in Woodburn. Early this morning, Salem SWAT took custody of Gallegos. During the search of his apartment, detectives located two loaded handguns. 

Gallegos was lodged at the Marion County Jail on multiple charges, including Attempted Murder, Attempted Assault in the First Degree, Menacing, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and Reckless Endangering. 

The investigation remains ongoing. 

Special thanks to the Woodburn Police Department for their assistance during the service of the search warrant.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: December 4, 2025 

Pedestrian struck on Commercial Street SE succumbs to injuries 

SALEM, Ore. — A man who was struck by a vehicle Saturday night while crossing Commercial Street SE has died from his injuries. 

The crash occurred on Saturday, November 29, at approximately 10:04 p.m., near the intersection of Commercial Street and Ewald Avenue SE. Officers determined two men were crossing Commercial Street SE westbound when one of the men, Ethan Alekseyenko, 21, of Salem, was struck by southbound vehicle. Alekseyenko was ultimately transported to Salem Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. 

The Salem Police Traffic Team is leading the investigation. No citations or arrests have been made at this time. The investigation is ongoing. 

This is the tenth fatal crash in Salem in 2025, resulting in ten deaths. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: OCTOBER 29, 2025

UPDATE: Correction - Community alert. Police response. Crime interrupted — together from alarm to arrest 

SALEM, Ore. — This is to correct the spelling of Spillman's first name previously published. The correct spelling is Tristin not Tristan.

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+++ ORIGINAL RELEASE +++

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

DATE: October 29, 2025 
 

 Community alert. Police response. Crime interrupted — together from alarm to arrest 

SALEM, Ore. — A Salem man was arrested early Wednesday morning after officers responded to a burglary in progress at a hardware store on Wallace Road NW and located the suspect inside attempting to steal merchandise. 

On October 29 at approximately 12:36 a.m., Salem patrol officers responded to an alarm activation at a business on Wallace Road NW. The owners called 911 to report that multiple alarm triggers were activated and the store’s camera feed had since gone offline. 

The first officer to arrive observed a masked individual walking inside the closed business. The building was quickly contained by multiple Salem patrol officers, with a Marion County canine unit responding to assist with the search. Officers issued commands for the suspect to surrender. The individual initially attempted to flee through the building but ultimately exited through the front door and was taken into custody without incident. 

The suspect was identified as Tristan Sillman, 27, of Salem. A search of the building confirmed no other individuals were inside. Sillman had broken a rear window to gain entry, tampered with the store’s surveillance system, and began staging numerous items — including power tools, knives, and other merchandise — for theft. 

When officers searched Sillman, during the arrest, they located a concealed fixed-blade dagger under his clothing. 

Sillman, a convicted felon, was lodged at the jail on multiple felony charges including burglary, criminal mischief, theft, and felon in possession of a weapon. 

The Salem Police Department extends its appreciation to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for the assistance provided by their canine unit during the incident. 

All further inquiries regarding prosecution will be handled by the Polk County District Attorney’s Office. 

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