Salem, Ore. — Just before 8:00 p.m. yesterday, February 18, Salem Police officers responded to the report of an armed man outside the Salem Health medical center. Security personnel reported a man was seen walking outside the hospital campus at Oak and Capitol STS SE, carrying what appeared to be a rifle.
Officers located the man, identified as Luis Angel Escobedo Castaneda, walking near the intersection of University and Leslie STS SE. Castaneda refused to comply with verbal commands from arriving officers and ran. A brief foot pursuit ensued that ended when Castaneda reached a fence. When Castaneda faced the officers, a portion of the firearm was visible in his waistband.
Castaneda continued refusing officer orders to comply and motioned repeatedly toward his waist. He surrendered only after the deployment of less lethal rounds and a police canine. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Officers seized a loaded rifle from the 25-year-old Castaneda.
After receiving medical clearance, Castaneda was lodged at the Marion County Jail on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm, interfering with a police officer, and second-degree disorderly conduct.
Castaneda, who is from Portland, is set to be arraigned today at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex.
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