FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: May 4, 2026 
CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net 

Salem Police Arrest Suspect and Seize Firearms in Felon-in-Possession Case 

SALEM, Ore. — On May 1, 2026, at approximately 11:25 p.m., officers arrested Wyatt Tripp, 40, of Salem, following an investigation into a report of a Felon in Possession of a Weapon. 

Turner Police Department had sent an attempt to locate (ATL) for Tripp after developing probable cause for the charge. He was last seen in a blue Ford Ranger. During a previous incident at Turner Lake, Tripp displayed a vintage bolt-action rifle to individuals. 

Salem officers located Tripp’s truck parked at the northeast parking lot of Salem’s Riverfront Park, where he was found inside the vehicle. As officers were responding, a UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) was deployed, which observed Tripp shining a light at the drone and moving his truck to the southern parking lot. 

Utilizing a patrol vehicle, officers boxed in Tripp and he was taken into custody. Tripp was found wearing a tactical vest with additional rifle magazines, and an additional rifle was observed resting on the bench seat of the truck. 

Officers applied for and were granted a judicial warrant and located a fully loaded large caliber AR style rifle, along with 19.2 grams of methamphetamine and a 9mm pistol. 

Tripp was lodged at Marion County Jail on multiple charges including Felon in Possession of a Weapon and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine. 

Mr. Tripp is scheduled to be arraigned at 1:30pm today at the Marion County Court Annex, 4000 Aumsville Hwy SE. The investigation is ongoing, and further inquiries should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney's Office. 

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