FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: January 27, 2026 

Police Pursuit Leads to Arrest of Armed Robbery Suspect and Gun Seizure 

SALEM, Ore. — On January 27, 2026, Jonathon Sanchez, 30, of Salem, was arrested following a pursuit that stemmed from an armed robbery incident that occurred on January 26, 2026. 

At approximately 1:20 a.m. on January 26, officers responded to a report of an armed robbery at an apartment located in the 4100 block of Market Street NE. Two suspects, armed with handguns, forced their way into an apartment and threatened the residents. The suspects demanded and took property before fleeing the scene. 

Later that evening, at approximately 11:51 p.m., officers located the Sanchez's vehicle leaving the Winco parking lot near Lancaster Drive and Rickey Street SE. As officers followed the vehicle, they attempted to set up spike strips while the vehicle traveled northbound on I-5. The vehicle eluded the officers, prompting a pursuit. Assistance was requested from Clackamas County and OSP, who successfully deployed spike strips and other pursuit intervention techniques, bringing the pursuit to a stop near Tualatin. 

Sanchez was taken into custody without incident, and a handgun was observed on the driver’s floorboard. Violent Crimes Unit detectives responded and obtained a warrant to search the vehicle and seize the gun. 

Sanchez was lodged at Marion County Jail for multiple charges, including Robbery in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Menacing. He is scheduled to be arraigned at 2:30 p.m. today at the Marion County Court Annex at 4000 Aumsville Highway. 

The Salem Police Department would like to thank the Oregon State Police and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office deputies assigned to the contract city of Wilsonville for their assistance. The investigation is ongoing, and further inquiries should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney's Office.  

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