FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: July 16, 2026 

Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest and Discovery of 100 Grams of Methamphetamine 

SALEM, Ore. — On July 16, 2026, at approximately 2:19 a.m., officers arrested Joshua Walker, 43, of Salem, following a traffic stop in the 600 block of Greencrest Street NE. 

During the stop, officers discovered that Walker had three outstanding criminal arrest warrants and took him into custody. A small amount of fentanyl was located on Walker, and a subsequent search of his vehicle revealed a restricted weapon and larger quantity of methamphetamine, totaling approximately 100 grams. 

Walker was lodged at Marion County Jail on multiple charges, including the three confirmed warrants, Unlawful Delivery and Possession of Methamphetamine, and Unlawful Possession of Fentanyl. 

The investigation is ongoing, and further inquiries should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney's Office. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: July 8, 2026  

Salem Police and ATF Seize Cache of Firearms and Drugs in Major Arrest 

SALEM, Ore. -- On July 7, 2026, detectives from the Strategic Investigations Unit, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, seized a cache of firearms and illegal narcotics as part of an ongoing investigation. 

On July 6, 2026, patrol officers arrested Michael J. Brasi, 47, of Salem, in connection with a domestic stalking incident involving multiple violations of a no-contact order. Brasi was lodged at Marion County Jail on various charges, including Domestic Felony Stalking, Unlawful Use of a GPS Device, and Burglary in the First Degree. 

Patrol officers contacted detectives and relayed investigative information, which led them to apply for and serve search warrants at multiple locations linked to Brasi. 

Detectives located and seized 54 firearms, 8 homemade suppressors, incomplete firearm frames, firearm parts, and thousands of rounds of ammunition. Several of the recovered firearms were found to be stolen from nearby  jurisdictions. Detectives also seized evidence related to the manufacturing of undetectable firearms, including drill presses, 3D printers, and firearm build kits. 

Additionally, detectives seized 129 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, 88.7 grams of fentanyl, 20.1 grams of cocaine, and over 150 vials of anabolic steroids. Evidence of the manufacture of anabolic steroids was located, including unused vials, custom labels, and mixing agents. 

Brasi is being held in custody at the Marion County Jail. Charges related to firearms offenses are pending. 

The investigation is ongoing. The Salem Police Department recognizes the importance of maintaining strong relationships with federal partners such as the ATF and wishes to thank them for their assistance. 

For further inquiries, please contact the Marion County District Attorney's Office. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: July 6, 2026 
CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net 

Salem Police Arrest Suspects Following Assault Incident 

SALEM, Ore.-- On July 5, 2026, at around 9:03 p.m., officers arrested Gabriella Reyes Carteno,19, along with 19-year-old Rocky Donvan Gonzalez, and a 17-year-old male, in connection with an assault that occurred earlier in the evening. All three are from the Salem area. 

At approximately 6:09 p.m., officers responded to an assault call in the 5200 block of Silver Loop NE. The victim, a 23-year-old man from Salem, reported that at about 5:37 p.m., he had a disagreement with Reyes Carteno, who arrived at his home with Gonzalez and a juvenile male. During the incident, the victim reported that he was attacked by all three, and he was struck in the head with a firearm, causing injury. 

After the assault, the suspects reportedly left the scene in a vehicle. Officers located the suspects' vehicle at a nearby residence and detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit were contacted to assist with a search warrant application. 

While the warrant was being written, officers were able to make verbal contact with the suspects. All three eventually surrendered to police and were taken into custody without incident. Detectives were able to recover a firearm and other evidence during the course of the investigation. 

Reyes Carteno and Gonzalez were lodged at Marion County Jail, and the involved juvenile was lodged at Marion County Juvenile Department on charges including Assault in the Second Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Menacing. 

The investigation is ongoing, and further inquiries should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney's Office. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: July 6, 2026

Salem Police Investigate Shooting Incident Following Disturbance 

SALEM, Ore. — On July 4, 2026, at approximately 10:30 p.m., officers responded to a report of a disturbance at the1400 block of Mill Street SE, where they found a 24-year-old woman with a gunshot wound. 

The incident began when a 54-year-old man, and his son, approached a group of nearly 20 young adults who were lighting off fireworks in a private parking lot near the area. The group did not have permission to use the parking lot area, and the man, who is a groundskeeper for the property, asked the group to leave, but they refused to leave. 

It was reported that members of the group began to physically assault him. At some point during the altercation the man produced a firearm and reportedly fired several rounds into the ground. However, one of the rounds struck a woman in the lower leg. 

Detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit are investigating the case, no charges have been filed at this time and the investigation is ongoing. 

For further inquiries, please contact the Salem Police Department. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: July 5, 2026

Illegal Fireworks Explosion Causes Significant Injuries and Property Damage  

SALEM, Ore. -- On July 4, 2026, at approximately 10:44 p.m., officers responded to a report of an explosion at a residence located in the 4200 block of Prairie Star Court NE.

Arriving Salem Fire and Patrol officers discovered there were multiple people with injuries. Five individuals were transported to the hospital, with four sustaining significant injuries. At this time, none of the injuries are reported to be life-threatening.

The explosion was significant enough to cause damage to vehicles and residences in the surrounding area. Preliminary investigation suggests that the explosion was likely caused by illegal mortars used outside of manufacturing guidelines.

The Felony Crimes Unit detectives are leading the investigation. The Salem Police Bomb Squad, the Fire Department's Fire Marshal, and Crime Lab all responded to assist with the post-blast investigation.

The investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been filed at this time. Further inquiries should be directed to the Salem Police Department.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: July 2, 2026 
CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net 

Driver Arrested after Four-Vehicle Crash on Center Street Bridge 

SALEM, Ore. -- On July 2, 2026, at approximately 10:18 a.m., officers responded to a report of a four-vehicle crash on the Center Street Bridge, which resulted in a debris field spanning several hundred feet. 

Upon arrival, officers found that one of the individuals involved was transported by medics for evaluation. 

Witnesses reported that Thomas Ewing, 53, of Salem, was reportedly driving recklessly at speeds in excess of 80 mph leading up to the crash. The impact caused his vehicle to slide along the top of the bridge railing before returning to the roadway. 

Ewing was cited for Driving While Suspended (DWS) and lodged at Polk County Jail for Reckless Driving and Reckless Endangering. 

The investigation is ongoing, and further inquiries should be directed to the Polk County District Attorney's Office. 

(PHOTO INCLUDED BELOW) 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: June 30, 2026 

Salem Police Investigate Fatal Shooting Incident 

SALEM, Ore. -- On June 30, 2026, officers responded to a call in the 1000 block of Fir Street S, where a 54-year-old Salem man died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was later pronounced deceased at the Salem Hospital. 

At approximately 11:49 a.m., a 38-year-old Salem woman reported there was a man sitting outside her apartment who was not supposed to have contact with her due to a court-imposed condition of his probation. The woman reported that the man was aware police had been called and the man was known to carry a firearm. 

Due to the mention of a firearm, a drone was deployed to locate the man while officers were responding. The drone operator located the man sitting in his vehicle directly underneath the woman's apartment. As officers were arriving on scene, a gunshot was reported from inside the vehicle. 

Officers approached the vehicle and secured the area, allowing medics to provide treatment to the man. The man was transported to Salem Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. During the incident, Owens and River Road were closed for approximately 30 minutes to ensure public safety. 

The man’s identity has been withheld pending next of kin notification. The investigation is ongoing, and further inquiries should be directed to the Salem Police Department. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: June 29, 2026

Salem Police Arrest Suspect in Attempted Kidnapping Incident 

SALEM, Ore.-- On June 28, 2026, Lino Lopez Palafox, 38, of Salem, was arrested in connection with an attempted kidnapping incident involving a 3-year-old child. 

At 5:42 p.m., officers responded to a report of a man who had just attempted to kidnap a 3-year-old child in the 2500 block of Rose Garden Street NE. The incident occurred while the child’s father was at a park with his son and 10-year-old daughter. It was reported that Lopez Palafox attempted to take the child after arguing with the father and trying to take the daughter’s bike. 

During the altercation, Lopez Palafox demanded property from the father, and when the father refused, he picked up the 3-year-old and attempted to leave with him. The father was able to regain control of his son and prevent the kidnapping. After the altercation the father called police and reported what had occurred.  

Officers quickly responded and located Lopez Palafox nearby, where he was arrested for Attempted Kidnapping in the First Degree and lodged at Marion County Jail. 

The victim’s family told investigating officers they did not know the suspect and did not have any previous dealings with him. 

The investigation is ongoing, and further inquiries should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney's Office. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: June 24, 2026 

Salem Police Investigate Fatal Train vs. Pedestrian Incident 

SALEM, Ore. -- On June 24, 2026, at approximately 4:37 p.m., officers responded to a report of a train versus pedestrian crash at 4055 Turner Road SE. 

Upon arrival, officers found a deceased male believed to be in his early 50s. The train was traveling southbound on the tracks beneath I-5 and was unable to stop in time. The pedestrian’s identity has not been confirmed at this time. 

Union Pacific Police has jurisdiction over this area and will be leading the investigation. 

The investigation is ongoing, and further inquiries should be directed to the Union Pacific Police. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: June 20, 2026  

Salem Police Locate and Recover Property in Burglary and Theft Investigation 

SALEM, Ore. -- On June 18, 2026, Felony Crimes Unit detectives served a search warrant and recovered stolen property at a local storage unit while following up on a burglary investigation.  

The investigation began on June 2, 2026, when a Salem Police Community Services Officer (CSO) responded to a report of a burglary at More Flips, a sports and collector card shop in the 1700 block of Center St NE. The owner of the shop reported over $60,000 in merchandise was stolen. The CSO developed information that assisted patrol officers in identifying, locating, and arresting Colt Snyder, 35, of Salem, in connection with the burglary. Snyder was lodged at Marion County Jail on multiple charges, including Burglary in the First Degree and Theft in the First Degree. 

Detectives from the Felony Crimes Unit took over the investigation and identified a storage unit on Hawthorne Avenue NE linked to Snyder. Detectives applied for and were granted a search warrant for the storage unit. During the search, some of the stolen property was recovered and other evidence was seized. The stolen property was returned to the store owner. 

The investigation is ongoing, and further inquiries should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney's Office. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: June 18, 2026

Salem Police Capture Burglary Suspect 

SALEM, Ore. -- On June 18, 2026, officers arrested Jeremiah Grieser, 30, of Salem, in connection with a burglary incident that occurred at approximately 3:31 a.m. 

Officers responded to a business in the 4000 block of Salem Industrial Drive NE after security reported a male suspect had entered the building and was seen taking items from inside. The suspect was reported to be running down the railroad tracks as officers were arriving. Officers set up a perimeter, deployed a drone and canine to assist in locating the suspect. 

Officers located and confronted the suspect, later identified as Grieser. He then attempted to run from the officers, but he was ultimately apprehended by K9 Andor. 

During the investigation, approximately $2,500 worth of stolen property was recovered. Grieser will be lodged at Marion County Jail on multiple charges, including Burglary in the First Degree, Possession of Burglary Tools, Escape in the Third Degree, Theft in the First Degree, and a felony warrant. 

The investigation is ongoing, and further inquiries should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney's Office. 

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