FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

DATE: December 18, 2025 

Two Arrested After November Shooting - Detectives Remove Violent Offenders and Illegal Guns From Salem Streets 

SALEM, Ore. — Salem Police detectives arrested two Salem residents Wednesday in connection with a November 11 shooting that left a man injured. 

The incident began on November 11 when officers responded to multiple reports of shots fired near Broadway and Locust Streets NE. Witnesses reported vehicles fleeing the area, and shortly afterward, a 39‑year‑old Salem man was dropped off at Salem Hospital with a gunshot wound to the chest. Detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit, supported by investigators from the Strategic Investigations Unit, initiated an investigation, which led to the drafting of two search warrants.  

On December 17, around 3:00 p.m., Salem SWAT served a search warrant at the Beechwood Court S residence of Freedom Butler, 24, of Salem. Butler was taken into custody and faces charges of Assault in the First Degree, Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. During the operation, several people were detained. One of them, Austin Myers, 37, of Salem, was arrested on unrelated charges of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine. 

At approximately 5:00 p.m. the same day, Salem SWAT redeployed to serve a second warrant at the Liberty Street NE apartment of Dakota Butler‑Kota, 25, of Salem. Butler‑Kota surrendered without incident and was arrested on charges of Assault in the First Degree, Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. 

Detectives seized four firearms as part of this investigation. Butler, Myers, and Butler‑Kota were all transported to the Marion County Jail and lodged on their respective charges. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be forthcoming. 

As part of the Community Violence Reduction Initiative, these arrests reflect the Salem Police Department’s ongoing commitment to holding violent offenders accountable and reducing gun violence in the community. Detectives and officers continue to pursue investigations, serve warrants, and make arrests to enhance public safety and prevent further acts of violence. To date, more than 270 firearms have been seized this year in connection with criminal investigations, underscoring the department’s focused efforts to curb gun‑related violence.

CVRI Link: https://www.cityofsalem.net/community/safety/police/building-trust-with-the-community/community-violence-reduction-initiative

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