FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: April 7, 2026

Salem Police Traffic Team Investigating Fatal Vehicle vs. Bicycle Collision 

SALEM, Ore. -- On April 6, 2026, at approximately 4:36 p.m., officers responded to a report of a vehicle versus bicyclist collision at the intersection of Pringle Road and Madrona Avenue SE. 

Upon arrival, emergency medical personnel declared the bicyclist, Marvin William Miller, 54, of Salem, deceased at the scene. The Traffic Team was notified and responded to lead the investigation. The intersection was shut down for almost four hours to facilitate the investigation. 

The preliminary investigation revealed that a utility work van, driven by a 27-year-old man, was stopped at a red light while traveling northbound on Pringle Road SE. When the light turned green, the driver of the van turned right to go eastbound on Madrona Avenue SE. Miller, who was riding northbound in the bicycle lane on the east side of Pringle Road SE, continued northbound and fell to the ground. Miller was then struck by the van. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. 

The Salem Police Department has responded to four fatal collisions resulting in four fatalities in 2026. 

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

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*** Corrected dates to clarify dateof crash and date of death at 8:36 a.m. ***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: April 3, 2026 
CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net 

Bicyclist Succumbs to Injuries Sustained During Collision 

SALEM, Ore. -- The Salem Police Traffic Team is investigating a vehicle versus bicycle collision that occurred on February 28, 2026. The bicyclist, Richard Allen Hawkins, 67, of Salem, died on March 14, 2026, due to injuries sustained during the collision. 

At approximately 10:22 p.m., patrol officers responded to and investigated a crash on Front Street at Union Street NE. Hawkins was riding an e-bike westbound on Union Street NE when he collided with a vehicle driven by a 21-year-old woman from Salem who was traveling northbound on Front Street NE. 

Witnesses told officers the traffic light for northbound Front Street NE was green. The driver called 911, remained on scene, and cooperated with the investigation. Hawkins was transported to the hospital with serious injuries. 

The case will be sent to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office, which reviews all investigations involving a loss of life, regardless of whether criminal activity is suspected.  

The Salem Police Department has responded to three fatal crashes resulting in three total fatalities in 2026. 

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: April 2, 2026 

Proactive Police Work Leads to Arrest in Vehicle Elude and Seizure of Drugs, Money and Firearm 

SALEM, Ore. -- On April 2, 2026, at approximately 1:51 a.m., officers arrested Jeremiah Boast, 25, of Salem, following an attempted traffic stop that turned into a vehicle elude, resulting in the seizure of drugs, cash, and a firearm. 

Officers attempted a traffic stop on a red Mercedes at the intersection of Sunnyview Road and Fisher Road NE. The vehicle eluded officers traveling westbound on Sunnyview Road NE. Officers later deployed spike strips at Sunnyview Road and Fairgrounds Road NE, successfully disabling the vehicle. 

The vehicle was ultimately located at the intersection of Church Street and 5th Street NE. The driver fled the scene, while the female passenger remained with the vehicle. Officers utilized drones to search for Boast. Officers were able to locate and arrest Boast attempting to hide inside a local bar. 

Officers obtained a judicial warrant to search the vehicle and located $3,630 in cash, 25.8 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and a firearm during the search. 

Boast was transported to Marion County Jail on multiple charges, including Fleeing or Attempting to Elude Police, Felon in Possession of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession and Delivery of Methamphetamine. 

The Salem Police Department remains committed to the Community Violence Reduction Initiative (CVRI) and is dedicated to reducing violent crime through proactive police work, seizing firearms that are illegally used or possessed, and holding individuals accountable for their actions in our community. 

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: March 31, 2026 

Community Safety Enhanced: Salem Police Arrest Suspects; Seize Firearms 

SALEM, Ore. -- On March 31, 2026, at approximately 2:47 a.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on a black Mercedes driven by Brayan Cervantes Arias, 19, of Salem. During the stop, it was discovered that Cervantes Arias had an outstanding warrant for his arrest out of Polk County. 

During the stop officers discovered a loaded handgun in the driver’s area of the vehicle. A second loaded handgun was located on a 16-year-old male juvenile passenger, also of Salem. Officers also located an additional high-capacity magazine was found in the vehicle. 

Brayan Cervantes Arias was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and the Criminal Arrest Warrant and was lodged at Marion County Jail. The juvenile was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and lodged at Marion County Juvenile Detention Center. 

In 2025, the Salem Police Department seized 295 firearms in connection with criminal investigations. So far this year, the department has seized a total of 106 firearms in connection with criminal investigations. The department remains committed to the Community Violence Reduction Initiative (CVRI) and is dedicated to reducing violent crime and holding individuals accountable for their actions in our community. 

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: March 30, 2026 

Follow Up: Deputies Involved in Use of Deadly Force Incident Following 911 in Aumsville 

On March 29, 2026, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call at 12393 West Stayton Road SE, Aumsville, Marion County, Oregon. At approximately 7:08 p.m., a caller, who had left the residence, reported a domestic disturbance at that location. 

Marion County Sheriff Deputies Benjamin Theodoriches and Ricky Kittleson responded to the residence with the caller, who returned with them. Upon entering, they contacted Brian Guy Baker, 47, of Aumsville, who was in possession of a gun, and an altercation ensued. 

A preliminary review of the radio traffic during the incident shows that the deputies reported that they were fired upon and indicated that they had returned fire. They were able to retreat from the scene with the remaining residents of the house. Baker refused commands to exit the residence and surrender. 

None of the responding deputies, or other residents were seriously injured during this incident. 

Marion County SWAT, with the assistance of the Oregon State Police, were able to make entry to the residence at approximately 2:15 a.m. At that time, Baker was located within the residence, deceased. The preliminary investigation suggests that Baker died from self-inflicted injuries; however, his cause and manner of death will ultimately be determined by the Oregon State Medical Examiner. 

Pursuant to Marion County protocol for deadly force incidents (“Senate Bill 111 protocol”), the Salem Police Department is investigating the incident with the assistance of the Oregon State Police and other local agencies. A judicial search warrant was obtained to search the residence and process the scene. The search warrant was signed by Marion County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Hart. 

At this time, the investigation is ongoing. No further information will be released to preserve a grand jury’s objective review of the incident pursuant to standard protocol. 

Any future release will be provided by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: March 28, 2026 

Salem Traffic Team Arrests Driver After Lancaster Drive NE Fatal Crash Investigation 

SALEM, Ore. — On March 28, 2026, officers arrested Romel Villarreal, 35, of Salem, in connection with a fatal crash that occurred earlier this morning on Lancaster Drive NE. The victim, Daniel Lewis, 54, of Salem, was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

At approximately 3:28 a.m., officers responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash on Lancaster Drive near Weathers Street NE. Upon arrival, officers found a gray Ford Mustang at the scene. The driver, Lewis, was deceased, and a passenger, Kayla Meyer, 31, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to the Salem Hospital. 

Witnesses reported seeing a white Mercedes SUV driving at a high rate of speed prior to crashing into the Mustang. The Mercedes reportedly fled the scene following the crash. 

Officers located the Mercedes and Villarreal a few blocks from the crash site. Villarreal was transported to Salem Hospital for treatment. 

Villarreal was ultimately arrested and lodged at Marion County Jail on multiple charges, including Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, DUII, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, and Failure to Perform Duties of a Driver. 

The Salem Police Department has responded to two fatal collisions in 2026, resulting in two fatalities. 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: March 26, 2026 
CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net 

Salem Police Respond to Suspicious Device Report at Geer Park 

SALEM, Ore. -- On March 26, 2026, at approximately 2:20 p.m., officers responded to Geer Park following a report of a pipe bomb found on one of the benches. 

Upon arrival, patrol officers secured the area, closed off access to the affected area of the park, and assessed the situation. Assistance from the Salem Police Bomb Squad was requested, and a Salem Police drone was deployed to provide visual assistance. 

Salem Bomb Squad technicians utilized specialized tools and equipment, including robots, to assess the device. The technicians were able to determine that the device was likely a modified commercial-grade firework. The device was rendered safe, and there was no threat to the public. 

A community member reported finding the device; however, it is currently unknown how it ended up at that location. The investigation is ongoing. 

The Salem Police Department encourages community members to report any suspicious devices or activities immediately to ensure public safety. 

Quick Tips for Community Members: 

As of this date, the Salem Bomb Squad has responded to 22 incidents, activities, and investigations in 2026. Many of these incidents involved suspicious packages or devices, bomb threats, post-blast investigations, military ordnance, or verified/suspected improvised explosive devices (IEDs). 

For further inquiries, please contact the Salem Police Communications Office. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: March 25, 2026 

Salem Police Make Arrest in West Salem Armed Menacing Case 

SALEM, Ore. — On March 25, 2026, Strategic Investigations Unit detectives arrested Nafi Gelgelu, 19, of Salem, following a firearm investigation that began with a reported menacing incident in February. 

On February 14, 2026, patrol officers responded to a call in the 1300 block of Parkway Drive NW, where the victim reported that Gelgelu, along with an unidentified male, had menaced him with a rifle and a handgun following a dispute on social media. 

Detectives from the Special Investigations Unit continued the investigation and subsequently obtained a search warrant for Gelgelu’s residence. On March 25, 2026, with assistance from the Felony Crimes Unit, detectives served the search warrant and located two AR-style rifles, as well as a 12-gauge shotgun. 

Gelgelu was arrested and transported to Polk County Jail where he was lodged on charges of Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Menacing. 

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: March 23, 2026  

Salem Police Investigate Stabbing Incident; Suspect Arrested 

SALEM, Ore. -- On March 20, 2026, at approximately 10:23 p.m., officers responded to reports of a disturbance and fight in a parking lot in the 3200 block of Liberty Rd S. 

Upon arrival, officers contacted the involved parties, Jason Alberts, 45, of Salem, and a 19-year-old man with multiple injuries, including apparent stab wounds. The injured man was transported to Salem Hospital, where he was treated for life-threatening injuries. Alberts was detained at the scene. 

It was determined through interviews and evidence that prior to the fight, the victim was yelling and damaging property in the area before he was confronted by Alberts and the two fought. 

Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit were called out to assist with the investigation. Alberts was arrested and lodged at the Marion County Correction Facility for Assault in the First Degree. The victim survived his injuries and was reported to be in stable condition. 

Alberts is scheduled to be arraigned today at 2:30 p.m. at the Marion County Annex, located at 4000 Aumsville Highway. 

This investigation is ongoing. Further inquiries should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney's Office. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: March 23, 2026 
 

Salem Police Arrest Suspect in Robbery Incident 

SALEM, Ore. -- On March 21, 2026, Gilberto Hernandez-Betancourt, 35, of Salem, was arrested in connection with a robbery incident that occurred in the 2800 block of Broadway Street NE. 

At approximately 3:00 p.m., officers responded to a report of theft, and it was determined that a male suspect had stolen over $100 in merchandise and exited the store. An employee attempted to stop the suspect, resulting in a physical altercation. Hernandez-Betancourt was identified as the driver of the getaway vehicle, which struck the employee, causing minor injuries. 

Officers later located the suspect vehicle and contacted Hernandez-Betancourt, who provided a false name and was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest. During the investigation, officers discovered a large amount of stolen property in the suspect vehicle that was linked to a theft from Lowe's in Keizer. 

Hernandez-Betancourt was lodged at Marion County Jail on multiple charges, including Robbery in the Second Degree, Theft in the Second Degree, Giving False Information to a Police Officer, Felony Hit and Run, and Assault in the Second Degree. 

The second suspect was not located and has not been identified as of this time, and the investigation is ongoing. Further inquiries should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney's Office. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: March 22, 2026 

Salem Police Arrest Suspect in Stolen Vehicle 

SALEM, Ore. -- On March 21, 2026, at approximately 12:07 p.m., officers arrested Richard Wilson, 48, of Salem, following an attempt to elude officers near the downtown area. 

Officers spotted a stolen vehicle driving through downtown and followed it from a distance while others positioned themselves with stop sticks. The vehicle suddenly turned into a nearby parking lot at Commercial Street and Owens Street SE, pushing another vehicle out of the way before exiting onto Owens. It then turned north onto Liberty Street and drove at a high rate of speed towards downtown. 

The stolen vehicle struck a patrol car and was eventually boxed in at the intersection of Liberty Street and Mission Street SE. The driver, Wilson, fled on foot but was apprehended half a block away. 

Wilson was lodged at Marion County Jail on a Parole Violation Warrant and multiple charges related to the incident, including Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Felony Attempt to Elude Police Officer and Misdemeanor Fail to Perform the Duties of a Driver (Hit and Run). 

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

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