On May 9, 2023 a Marion County Grand Jury unanimously found that Salem Police Corporal Adam Waite was justified in using deadly force against Andrew Erling Kjostad, date of birth 1/23/89, in the early morning hours of May 1, 2023.
At approximately 5:48 am on May 1, 2023, members of the Salem Police SWAT team attempted to take Kjostad into custody as he walked along Fisher Rd, near Market Street. Kjostad was wanted for a series of shootings that had occurred the previous day, including two separate shootings into occupied police vehicles.
When members of Salem SWAT encountered Kjostad, he attempted to flee and draw his firearm. Corporal Waite, a member of SWAT, then shot Kjostad one time and he was subsequently taken into custody. Kjostad was immediately treated for his injuries at the scene and then transported to Salem Hospital.
No police officers were harmed during this encounter or during the shootings on April 30, 2023.
The same Grand Jury that found the Corporal Waite’s actions to be justified also indicted Andrew Kjostad for:
Attempted Aggravated Murder With a Firearm (three counts)
Unlawful Use of a Weapon With a Firearm (four counts)
Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Felony Attempt to Elude a Police Officer, and
Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver.
Andrew Kjostad is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on May 15, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. at 4000 Aumsville Highway. He is currently being held on one million dollars bail.
Due to the ongoing nature of Andrew Kjostad’s criminal case, the DA’s Office will not release any further detail of the shooting or the crimes at this time.
