FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: January 8, 2026 
CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net 

Suspect Arrested in Stabbing Incident; Victim in Stable Condition 

SALEM, Ore. - Salem Police officers arrested a man on January 7, 2026, following a stabbing incident that occurred in the 4500 block of Commercial Street SE, in the parking lot of the former Rite Aid. 

The incident took place at approximately 3:06 p.m., when officers responded to reports of a stabbing. Officers found a 48-year-old man, of Salem, standing with a group of individuals who had come to his aid. 

The man had sustained two apparent stab wounds, one of which was to his abdomen. He was transported by Salem Fire medics to Salem Hospital, where he underwent surgery. The injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. 

Witnesses identified Jonathon Loren Jones, 58, of Salem, as the suspect and directed officers to his tent near the front of the building, where Jones was located and arrested. During an interview with detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit, Jones admitted to the stabbing. 

A search warrant was obtained for Jones' tent and property, where detectives located evidence believed to be related to the attack. 

Jones was transported to the Marion County Jail, where he was lodged on charges of Assault in the First Degree and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. 

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

###