DATE: August 29, 2022
Unusual weekend of violence in Salem
Salem, Ore. — Two fatalities and one injured homeowner were part of an unusual weekend of violence in Salem.
At approximately 11:00 p.m. Friday, August 26, Salem Police patrol officers responded to the 3900 block of Lone Oak RD SE on the call of a man with a gunshot wound. Officers determined a dispute had ensued between a man and his former domestic partner. When the man forced his way into the residence, he was shot by an occupant of the home.
The arriving officer provided immediate medical aid while paramedics arrived; however, the man died while being transported to Salem Health. All involved individuals are cooperating with the investigation, and there is no community risk.
Just before 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 27, patrol officers were dispatched to a call of a gunshot wound at Geer Park. Arriving officers found the victim, an adult man, deceased in the parking lot.
Officers learned a dispute occurred between several individuals at an encampment and ended with one man shooting another man. This is an active investigation and believed to be an isolated incident as all individuals involved were known to one another.
On Sunday, August 28, at approximately 11:00 p.m., patrol officers responded to the 400 block of 24th ST NE on the call of a person with a gunshot wound. Arriving officers found the homeowner with a gunshot wound and treated her injuries while waiting for paramedics to arrive. The preliminary investigation determined the woman and a family friend were outside the home when two males approached and exchanged words with them. Several shots rang out, and the woman sustained a gunshot wound which was non-life-threatening.
No further case details are being released as this is an active investigation.
Said Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack, “It was an exceptionally violent weekend here in Salem, but I want to assure the community that we are responding appropriately and that these incidents appear to be unrelated.
“All available detectives from our three specialized units were called in from home to investigate these crimes. Although the number of cases stretched our investigative personnel resources to their limits, the detectives and our on-duty patrol officers worked hard to ensure each was fully investigated. The team demonstrated our commitment to bringing justice to victims and keeping our community safe, and I am proud of them.”
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