FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: March 2, 2026 

Marion County Grand Jury Indicts Suspect on Enhanced Assault Charges Following Street Racing Crash 

SALEM, Ore. -- On February 26, 2026, a Marion County Grand Jury indicted David Barrera, 27, of Salem, in connection with a street racing crash that occurred on April 10, 2025, at approximately 11:14 a.m. The original charges against Barrera of Assault in the Third Degree and Reckless Driving have been upgraded to Assault in the Second Degree and Reckless Driving. 

The traffic crash occurred at Fairgrounds Road and Academy Street NE. Witnesses reported seeing a high-performance BMW street racing at a high rate of speed prior to the crash. At the time of the crash, the victim was making a permissive left turn, unaware of the accelerating BMW. 

The victim, 66, of Salem, who is deaf, suffered significant injuries to both her wrists, which limited her ability to communicate for some time, and she still feels the effects today. 

The Salem Police Traffic Team’s investigation revealed that the vehicle driven by Barrera was traveling at nearly three times the posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour at the time of the crash. 

Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that speeding has been seen as a contributing factor in approximately one third of all motor vehicle fatalities. 

The Salem Police Department is committed to ensuring public safety and addressing reckless driving and street racing in our community. Together with the Marion County District Attorney's Office, we will hold individuals accountable for their actions. 

For further inquiries, please contact the Marion County District Attorney's Office. 

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