FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: March 31, 2026 

Community Safety Enhanced: Salem Police Arrest Suspects; Seize Firearms 

SALEM, Ore. -- On March 31, 2026, at approximately 2:47 a.m., officers conducted a traffic stop on a black Mercedes driven by Brayan Cervantes Arias, 19, of Salem. During the stop, it was discovered that Cervantes Arias had an outstanding warrant for his arrest out of Polk County. 

During the stop officers discovered a loaded handgun in the driver’s area of the vehicle. A second loaded handgun was located on a 16-year-old male juvenile passenger, also of Salem. Officers also located an additional high-capacity magazine was found in the vehicle. 

Brayan Cervantes Arias was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and the Criminal Arrest Warrant and was lodged at Marion County Jail. The juvenile was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and lodged at Marion County Juvenile Detention Center. 

In 2025, the Salem Police Department seized 295 firearms in connection with criminal investigations. So far this year, the department has seized a total of 106 firearms in connection with criminal investigations. The department remains committed to the Community Violence Reduction Initiative (CVRI) and is dedicated to reducing violent crime and holding individuals accountable for their actions in our community. 

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

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