FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: November 24, 2025 

Arson and Robbery Suspect in Custody Following Morning Crime Spree 

SALEM, Ore. — A 26-year-old Salem man is in custody following a series of violent crimes committed Monday morning, including arson, robbery, and assault. 

On November 24 at approximately 10:17 a.m., neighbors in the 300 block of Khartoum Street SE reported a residential fire. Initial information was reported that Ethan Thorington, 26, of Salem, was seen leaving the property shortly before the fire began. 

Salem Fire arrived to find the structure fully involved and activated a second alarm. Once the fire was suppressed, a Deputy Fire Marshal conducted an initial investigation with assistance from Salem Police Felony Crimes Unit arson detectives. 

Shortly after the fire response, at approximately 11:41 a.m., a Marion County Sheriff’s Office sergeant requested emergency assistance at a business in the 2800 block of Commercial Street SE. A man, later identified as Thorington, had reportedly attempted to steal an employee’s car keys and assaulted her before fleeing on foot. As Salem patrol officers were responding, the sergeant pursued and detained Thorington with the assistance of two bystanders. 

Thorington was transported to the Salem Police Department, where he was interviewed by investigators. During subsequent interviews, Thorington admitted to both the arson and the attempted robbery. Additionally, patrol officers had developed probable cause to arrest him for several domestic violence-related crimes stemming from prior incidents. 

Thorington was lodged at the Marion County Jail on charges including Arson in the First Degree, Robbery in the Third Degree, Assault in the Fourth Degree, Domestic Violence Menacing, Domestic Violence Strangulation, and two counts of Reckless Endangering. 

The investigation is ongoing. 

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