FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Pedestrian fatality in downtown Salem
Help needed to locate suspect
Salem, Ore. — On July 23, 2021, Salem Police officers responded to the 600 block of Church ST NE on a report of a traffic collision. When officers arrived, they located a woman in the road with significant injuries. Salem Fire personnel attempted lifesaving measures, but ultimately the woman died at the scene.
Officers learned the woman had been seen on the hood of a van traveling south on Church ST when she fell off and landed in the street. The van did not stop and fled the area. Officers found the van abandoned in a neighborhood nearby. A K-9 team was deployed; however, the track was unsuccessful.
Detectives, assisted by the Traffic Team, were called out to the scene which shut down Church ST for several hours.
Based on the investigation, detectives believe the driver of the vehicle is Robert Dornbusch, age 53, of Salem. Detectives ask the public for information regarding Dornbusch’s whereabouts. Anyone with information on his current location should call the Salem Police Tips line at 503-588-8477.
The identity of the victim is not being released at this time pending notification of next of kin.
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