Community Alert. Police Response. Crime Interrupted — Together From Alarm To Arrest - 12/04/25
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: DECEMBER 4, 2025
CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net
UPDATE: West Salem Hardware Burglar Sentenced to Four Years in Prison
SALEM, Ore. — On December 4, 2025, Tristin Sillman, 27, of Salem, was sentenced to 48 months in prison for the burglary at West Salem Ace Hardware. The sentencing follows an incident on October 29 at 12:36 a.m., when Salem Police responded to an alarm activation at the business. Officers arrived quickly, found Sillman inside staging merchandise for theft, and took him into custody without incident.
We thank the Polk County District Attorney’s Office for their thorough prosecution and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance during the call. This case is a strong example of teamwork — from alarm to arrest to sentencing.
? Read the full release from the Polk County District Attorney’s Office:
https://flashalert.net/id/PCDA
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: OCTOBER 29, 2025
UPDATE: Correction - Community alert. Police response. Crime interrupted — together from alarm to arrest
SALEM, Ore. — This is to correct the spelling of Spillman's first name previously published. The correct spelling is Tristin not Tristan.
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+++ ORIGINAL RELEASE +++
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: October 29, 2025
Community alert. Police response. Crime interrupted — together from alarm to arrest
SALEM, Ore. — A Salem man was arrested early Wednesday morning after officers responded to a burglary in progress at a hardware store on Wallace Road NW and located the suspect inside attempting to steal merchandise.
On October 29 at approximately 12:36 a.m., Salem patrol officers responded to an alarm activation at a business on Wallace Road NW. The owners called 911 to report that multiple alarm triggers were activated and the store’s camera feed had since gone offline.
The first officer to arrive observed a masked individual walking inside the closed business. The building was quickly contained by multiple Salem patrol officers, with a Marion County canine unit responding to assist with the search. Officers issued commands for the suspect to surrender. The individual initially attempted to flee through the building but ultimately exited through the front door and was taken into custody without incident.
The suspect was identified as Tristan Sillman, 27, of Salem. A search of the building confirmed no other individuals were inside. Sillman had broken a rear window to gain entry, tampered with the store’s surveillance system, and began staging numerous items — including power tools, knives, and other merchandise — for theft.
When officers searched Sillman, during the arrest, they located a concealed fixed-blade dagger under his clothing.
Sillman, a convicted felon, was lodged at the jail on multiple felony charges including burglary, criminal mischief, theft, and felon in possession of a weapon.
The Salem Police Department extends its appreciation to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for the assistance provided by their canine unit during the incident.
All further inquiries regarding prosecution will be handled by the Polk County District Attorney’s Office.
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