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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: March 30, 2026 

Follow Up: Deputies Involved in Use of Deadly Force Incident Following 911 in Aumsville 

On March 29, 2026, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call at 12393 West Stayton Road SE, Aumsville, Marion County, Oregon. At approximately 7:08 p.m., a caller, who had left the residence, reported a domestic disturbance at that location. 

Marion County Sheriff Deputies Benjamin Theodoriches and Ricky Kittleson responded to the residence with the caller, who returned with them. Upon entering, they contacted Brian Guy Baker, 47, of Aumsville, who was in possession of a gun, and an altercation ensued. 

A preliminary review of the radio traffic during the incident shows that the deputies reported that they were fired upon and indicated that they had returned fire. They were able to retreat from the scene with the remaining residents of the house. Baker refused commands to exit the residence and surrender. 

None of the responding deputies, or other residents were seriously injured during this incident. 

Marion County SWAT, with the assistance of the Oregon State Police, were able to make entry to the residence at approximately 2:15 a.m. At that time, Baker was located within the residence, deceased. The preliminary investigation suggests that Baker died from self-inflicted injuries; however, his cause and manner of death will ultimately be determined by the Oregon State Medical Examiner. 

Pursuant to Marion County protocol for deadly force incidents (“Senate Bill 111 protocol”), the Salem Police Department is investigating the incident with the assistance of the Oregon State Police and other local agencies. A judicial search warrant was obtained to search the residence and process the scene. The search warrant was signed by Marion County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Hart. 

At this time, the investigation is ongoing. No further information will be released to preserve a grand jury’s objective review of the incident pursuant to standard protocol. 

Any future release will be provided by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: March 28, 2026 

Salem Traffic Team Arrests Driver After Lancaster Drive NE Fatal Crash Investigation 

SALEM, Ore. — On March 28, 2026, officers arrested Romel Villarreal, 35, of Salem, in connection with a fatal crash that occurred earlier this morning on Lancaster Drive NE. The victim, Daniel Lewis, 54, of Salem, was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

At approximately 3:28 a.m., officers responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash on Lancaster Drive near Weathers Street NE. Upon arrival, officers found a gray Ford Mustang at the scene. The driver, Lewis, was deceased, and a passenger, Kayla Meyer, 31, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to the Salem Hospital. 

Witnesses reported seeing a white Mercedes SUV driving at a high rate of speed prior to crashing into the Mustang. The Mercedes reportedly fled the scene following the crash. 

Officers located the Mercedes and Villarreal a few blocks from the crash site. Villarreal was transported to Salem Hospital for treatment. 

Villarreal was ultimately arrested and lodged at Marion County Jail on multiple charges, including Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, DUII, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering, and Failure to Perform Duties of a Driver. 

The Salem Police Department has responded to two fatal collisions in 2026, resulting in two fatalities. The investigation is ongoing, and further inquiries should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney's Office. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: March 26, 2026 
CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net 

Salem Police Respond to Suspicious Device Report at Geer Park 

SALEM, Ore. -- On March 26, 2026, at approximately 2:20 p.m., officers responded to Geer Park following a report of a pipe bomb found on one of the benches. 

Upon arrival, patrol officers secured the area, closed off access to the affected area of the park, and assessed the situation. Assistance from the Salem Police Bomb Squad was requested, and a Salem Police drone was deployed to provide visual assistance. 

Salem Bomb Squad technicians utilized specialized tools and equipment, including robots, to assess the device. The technicians were able to determine that the device was likely a modified commercial-grade firework. The device was rendered safe, and there was no threat to the public. 

A community member reported finding the device; however, it is currently unknown how it ended up at that location. The investigation is ongoing. 

The Salem Police Department encourages community members to report any suspicious devices or activities immediately to ensure public safety. 

Quick Tips for Community Members: 

As of this date, the Salem Bomb Squad has responded to 22 incidents, activities, and investigations in 2026. Many of these incidents involved suspicious packages or devices, bomb threats, post-blast investigations, military ordnance, or verified/suspected improvised explosive devices (IEDs). 

For further inquiries, please contact the Salem Police Communications Office. 

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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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: March 23, 2026  

Salem Police Investigate Stabbing Incident; Suspect Arrested 

SALEM, Ore. -- On March 20, 2026, at approximately 10:23 p.m., officers responded to reports of a disturbance and fight in a parking lot in the 3200 block of Liberty Rd S. 

Upon arrival, officers contacted the involved parties, Jason Alberts, 45, of Salem, and a 19-year-old man with multiple injuries, including apparent stab wounds. The injured man was transported to Salem Hospital, where he was treated for life-threatening injuries. Alberts was detained at the scene. 

It was determined through interviews and evidence that prior to the fight, the victim was yelling and damaging property in the area before he was confronted by Alberts and the two fought. 

Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit were called out to assist with the investigation. Alberts was arrested and lodged at the Marion County Correction Facility for Assault in the First Degree. The victim survived his injuries and was reported to be in stable condition. 

Alberts is scheduled to be arraigned today at 2:30 p.m. at the Marion County Annex, located at 4000 Aumsville Highway. 

This investigation is ongoing. Further inquiries should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney's Office. 

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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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: March 22, 2026 

Salem Police Arrest Suspect in Stolen Vehicle 

SALEM, Ore. -- On March 21, 2026, at approximately 12:07 p.m., officers arrested Richard Wilson, 48, of Salem, following an attempt to elude officers near the downtown area. 

Officers spotted a stolen vehicle driving through downtown and followed it from a distance while others positioned themselves with stop sticks. The vehicle suddenly turned into a nearby parking lot at Commercial Street and Owens Street SE, pushing another vehicle out of the way before exiting onto Owens. It then turned north onto Liberty Street and drove at a high rate of speed towards downtown. 

The stolen vehicle struck a patrol car and was eventually boxed in at the intersection of Liberty Street and Mission Street SE. The driver, Wilson, fled on foot but was apprehended half a block away. 

Wilson was lodged at Marion County Jail on a Parole Violation Warrant and multiple charges related to the incident, including Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Felony Attempt to Elude Police Officer and Misdemeanor Fail to Perform the Duties of a Driver (Hit and Run). 

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: March 15, 2026 

Tragic Conclusion: Deceased Woman Found Near Home in Salem Missing Person Investigation 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: March 13, 2026  

Salem Police Arrest Suspect in Connection with Multiple Burglaries 

SALEM, Ore. -- On March 12, 2026, Paul Harter, 39, of Salem, was arrested in connection with a series of burglaries at the 76-gas station located in the 2800 block of 12th Street SE. 

Detectives from the Felony Crimes Unit were able to identify Harter as the suspect in three separate burglaries that occurred over a four-month period at the gas station.  

While working a focused enforcement project, detectives located and arrested Harter. Harter was detained without incident and lodged at Marion County Jail on multiple charges, including Burglary in the Second Degree, Theft in the Second Degree, Criminal Mischief in the First Degree, and a Parole Violation warrant. 

Harter is currently on supervision for previous business burglaries, including a notable incident at Rudy's Steakhouse, where hundreds of pounds of premium steaks were stolen. 

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: March 13, 2026  

Salem Police partner with U.S. Marshals, Seize Guns and Address Community Safety 

SALEM, Ore. -- On March 12, 2026, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Strategic Investigations Unit detectives executed a search warrant at a residence in the 2700 block of Front Street NE after the United States Marshals Service made arrests. 

The U.S. Marshals were in Salem yesterday to apprehend individuals wanted in connection with various cases. The primary targets of their operation were Christopher Fought, 44, and Ila Huff, 45, both of whom had outstanding parole violation warrants out of Deschutes County. 

U.S. Marshals also located three additional wanted persons: Christopher Snyder, 33, who had a parole violation warrant out of Douglas County, and Victoria Hernandez, 21, who had a Failure to Appear warrant for Felon in Possession of a Firearm out of Linn County, along with Kayla Rose, 39, who was arrested on a Failure to Appear warrant for Assault in the Fourth Degree out of Benton County. All five were taken into custody without incident and will be returned to the counties where their warrants originated. 

While at the residence, U.S. Marshals discovered firearms and drug paraphernalia, prompting them to call the Special Investigations Unit and request assistance. Salem detectives assisted with transporting those in custody and obtaining a search warrant for the residence. This search resulted in the seizure of a small amount of suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as three firearms, body armor, and various ammunition and accessories. 

Additional charges are expected to be filed with the Marion County District Attorney’s Office as the investigation continues. For further inquiries, please contact the Marion County District Attorney's Office. 

The United States Marshals Service primarily tracks down and arrests wanted fugitives, especially those who have crossed state lines or are avoiding capture. They also work with state and local law enforcement through joint fugitive task forces to help locate and arrest dangerous offenders wanted on federal, state, or local warrants. 

The Salem Police Department appreciates the efforts of our partners in the U.S. Marshals Office, to assist in reducing crime and holding offenders accountable in the city of Salem. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: March 5, 2026 

Marion County Grand Jury Indicts Suspect in Connection with Shooting Incident 

 SALEM, Ore. — On March 5, 2026, a Marion County Grand Jury indicted Izaha Gabriel Silva, 19, of Salem, on multiple charges, including Assault in the Second Degree, in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on February 4, 2026, at approximately 11:40 p.m. near 1200 State Street. 

On that evening, officers responded to a report of a 24-year-old man who had been shot in the shoulder. Officers discovered there had been a shooting, however, it was unclear who had fired the shot at the time. Officers were able to locate the crime scene, and they collected evidence. 

Silva had left the scene prior to police arrival, and later in the evening, he was arrested by Oregon State Police for DUII. A handgun was found in the car at the time of his arrest. 

Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit were able to identify Silva as the suspect of the earlier shooting. It was reported that Silva was arguing with the victim at the time the victim was shot. 

On February 25, 2026, Salem SWAT served a search warrant in the 2000 block of Aldine Way NE in Keizer, where Silva was taken into custody without incident. Evidence related to this crime was located inside the residence. Silva was lodged at Marion County Jail, where he remains in custody. 

The Salem Police Department is dedicated to reducing violence in our community by collaborating with community members and our law enforcement partners, such as the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. 

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

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