FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: February 23, 2026 

SALEM POLICE ARREST SUSPECT FOR RESTRAINING ORDER VIOLATION 

SALEM, Ore. — On February 22, 2026, Cristian Mercado, 31, of Salem, was arrested following a violation of a restraining order at a residence located in the 4900 block of Periwinkle Drive SE. 

At approximately 7:00 p.m., officers responded to a restraining order violation at the location where Mercado was found to be in violation of an existing protection order. The protection order restricted Mercado from being in contact with the victim and her three children. The victim was at work at the time she called, and the location services for her children’s phones had been turned off. 

Mercado also had a confirmed warrant for domestic violence-related assault, with the victim as the complainant, and was known to have access to firearms. 

Officers contained the house and attempted communication for an extended period; however, Mercado would only stay on the phone for short periods, hindering negotiation efforts. Salem SWAT and the Crisis Negotiations Team were called to the scene. At 11:45 p.m. Mercado finally surrendered without further incident. 

Mercado was lodged at Marion County Jail on four counts of Violating a Restraining Order, as well as the outstanding warrant. 

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

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