FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: March 23, 2026 
 

Salem Police Arrest Suspect in Robbery Incident 

SALEM, Ore. -- On March 21, 2026, Gilberto Hernandez-Betancourt, 35, of Salem, was arrested in connection with a robbery incident that occurred in the 2800 block of Broadway Street NE. 

At approximately 3:00 p.m., officers responded to a report of theft, and it was determined that a male suspect had stolen over $100 in merchandise and exited the store. An employee attempted to stop the suspect, resulting in a physical altercation. Hernandez-Betancourt was identified as the driver of the getaway vehicle, which struck the employee, causing minor injuries. 

Officers later located the suspect vehicle and contacted Hernandez-Betancourt, who provided a false name and was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest. During the investigation, officers discovered a large amount of stolen property in the suspect vehicle that was linked to a theft from Lowe's in Keizer. 

Hernandez-Betancourt was lodged at Marion County Jail on multiple charges, including Robbery in the Second Degree, Theft in the Second Degree, Giving False Information to a Police Officer, Felony Hit and Run, and Assault in the Second Degree. 

The second suspect was not located and has not been identified as of this time, and the investigation is ongoing. Further inquiries should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney's Office. 

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