Marion County Grand Jury Determines Deputy Justified In Use Of Deadly Force, Suspect Indicted - 03/27/26

Salem, OR – March 27, 2026 – Today, a Marion County Grand Jury unanimously found that Marion County Sheriff Deputy Alan Jefferson was justified in using deadly force against Juan Carlos Gomez-Valles, age 39, during an incident on March 17, 2026.

Marion County Sheriff Deputies responded to a 911 call from a residence off State Street in Marion County on the morning of March 17, 2026.  A second 911 call from the same location followed while a deputy was still on scene. The deputy cleared the scene when nobody from the residence came to the door. Shortly thereafter, a third 911 call was made from the same location, where the caller said they were being held captive in the home. Once again, deputies responded and this time entered the residence with occupants’ consent and given the additional safety concerns.  Inside, Gomez-Valles came out of a bedroom with a knife in each hand. He failed to relinquish the weapons despite commands to do so and advanced towards the deputies.  Deputy Jefferson fired his weapon striking Gomez-Valles.  He was treated on scene and transported by medics to Salem Health, where he was subsequently released on March 23, 2026.

No deputies were harmed during this encounter.  The Oregon State Police responded as an outside agency to lead the full investigation as is consistent with the Marion County District Attorney’s Office Senate Bill 111 Use of Deadly Force Protocol. 

The Grand Jury heard from ten witnesses including all 6 Marion County Deputies who responded, as well as Detectives from the Oregon State Police.  They also reviewed evidence collected at the scene including photographs, listened to 911 Calls, and considered relevant medical records from Salem Heath.[1]  The knives were also made available for the Grand Jury to view and a relative of Gomez-Valles testified.

The same Grand Jury that found Deputy Jefferson’s actions to be justified also indicted Juan Carlos Gomez-Valles for:

• Two counts of Attempted Assault in the Second Degree
• Two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon
• Two counts of Menacing
• Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon

Gomez-Valles is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday March 30^th, 2026, at 2:30PM at the Marion County Court Annex located at 4000 Aumsville Highway in Salem.  He is currently being held at the Linn County jail.

Unlawful Use of a Weapon is a Class C Felony punishable by a maximum of 5 years in prison. Menacing and Felon in Possession of a Restricted Weapon are both Class A Misdemeanors punishable by a maximum of a year in jail. 

Marion County District Attorney Paige Clarkson stated, “I am grateful for the Grand Jury’s thorough and thoughtful review of all the circumstances in this case.  These matters are always a reminder of the professionalism of law enforcement and the real danger that they face as they respond to calls for help.  We are all thankful that everyone involved in this incident survived and is safe.”

Due to the ongoing nature of this criminal prosecution, the DA’s Office will not release any further details at this time.

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