Polk County District Attorney’s Office Issues Statement In West Salem Roth’s Parking Lot Incident.
- 11/07/25
DALLAS (OR) - After a thorough review of the investigative materials provided by the Salem Police Department, the Polk County District Attorney’s Office has elected not to pursue criminal charges related to an incident that occurred on October 19, 2025 in the parking lot of the Roth’s Fresh Markets on Wallace Avenue in West Salem.
In reaching this decision, the District Attorney’s Office reviewed statements taken from both participants in the incident, numerous investigative reports, as well as scene video taken from multiple angles of the incident. The totality of that documentation reveals that Mr. Luis Velasquez was the aggressor in this verbal and physical incident. The evidence shows that after Mr. Velasquez verbally initiated the confrontation, he brandished a knife at the other subject and intentionally attempted to damage that person’s vehicle by puncturing the tires prior to that other person attempting to drive away.
Mr. Velasquez sustained serious, life-threatening injuries when he was struck by the vehicle driven by the other participant. However, the evidence supports the conclusion that the actions of the driver were in reaction to the aggressive and threatening behavior of Mr. Velasquez. Further, after leaving the parking lot, the driver of the vehicle reached out to public safety officials and shortly thereafter turned himself into the Salem Police Department. Once there, he cooperated with the investigation, including allowing detectives to examine the involved vehicle.
Under this set of circumstances, and based on the evidence as currently known, the State would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the conduct here constituted a criminal offense.
The investigation undertaken by the Salem Police Department into this matter was exhaustive and comprehensive. Dozens of hours were spent by detectives and officers in seeking answers to what had transpired. The District Attorney’s Office is deeply appreciative of their professionalism and commitment to our community.
Polk County District Attorney’s Office Issues Statement In West Salem Roth’s Parking Lot Incident.
- 11/07/25
DALLAS (OR) - After a thorough review of the investigative materials provided by the Salem Police Department, the Polk County District Attorney’s Office has elected not to pursue criminal charges related to an incident that occurred on October 19, 2025 in the parking lot of the Roth’s Fresh Markets on Wallace Avenue in West Salem.
In reaching this decision, the District Attorney’s Office reviewed statements taken from both participants in the incident, numerous investigative reports, as well as scene video taken from multiple angles of the incident. The totality of that documentation reveals that Mr. Luis Velasquez was the aggressor in this verbal and physical incident. The evidence shows that after Mr. Velasquez verbally initiated the confrontation, he brandished a knife at the other subject and intentionally attempted to damage that person’s vehicle by puncturing the tires prior to that other person attempting to drive away.
Mr. Velasquez sustained serious, life-threatening injuries when he was struck by the vehicle driven by the other participant. However, the evidence supports the conclusion that the actions of the driver were in reaction to the aggressive and threatening behavior of Mr. Velasquez. Further, after leaving the parking lot, the driver of the vehicle reached out to public safety officials and shortly thereafter turned himself into the Salem Police Department. Once there, he cooperated with the investigation, including allowing detectives to examine the involved vehicle.
Under this set of circumstances, and based on the evidence as currently known, the State would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the conduct here constituted a criminal offense.
The investigation undertaken by the Salem Police Department into this matter was exhaustive and comprehensive. Dozens of hours were spent by detectives and officers in seeking answers to what had transpired. The District Attorney’s Office is deeply appreciative of their professionalism and commitment to our community.