FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: March 25, 2026 

Salem Police Make Arrest in West Salem Armed Menacing Case 

SALEM, Ore. — On March 25, 2026, Strategic Investigations Unit detectives arrested Nafi Gelgelu, 19, of Salem, following a firearm investigation that began with a reported menacing incident in February. 

On February 14, 2026, patrol officers responded to a call in the 1300 block of Parkway Drive NW, where the victim reported that Gelgelu, along with an unidentified male, had menaced him with a rifle and a handgun following a dispute on social media. 

Detectives from the Special Investigations Unit continued the investigation and subsequently obtained a search warrant for Gelgelu’s residence. On March 25, 2026, with assistance from the Felony Crimes Unit, detectives served the search warrant and located two AR-style rifles, as well as a 12-gauge shotgun. 

Gelgelu was arrested and transported to Polk County Jail where he was lodged on charges of Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Menacing. 

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

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