Salem, OR – August 4, 2025 – Marion County Circuit Court Judge Courtland Geyer has sentenced Nicholas Contreras-Salmion to 100 months in prison, followed by 36 months of post-prison supervision, for a series of armed robberies involving fake explosive vests designed to terrify his victims.
The crimes began in January 2025 when Contreras-Salmion entered Crossroads Grocery in Woodburn. He approached the counter, unbuttoned his sweatshirt, and revealed a vest appearing to be strapped with dynamite. Holding what looked like a detonator, he handed the clerk a cloth bag and demanded money, threatening to detonate the device if they did not comply. The clerk handed over the cash, and Contreras-Salmion fled.
Roughly a week later, a similar device was found and reported to authorities. The Oregon State Police Bomb Squad responded and confirmed the vest was a hoax — designed to look real but contained no actual explosives.
Then, in February, Contreras-Salmion struck again — this time at EZ Stop Grocery in Woodburn. After loitering in the store, he revealed another fake bomb and told the clerk she had seven minutes to open the safe. When she said she didn’t have access, he activated red flashing lights on the vest and said she now had only three minutes. A customer exiting the restroom startled him, and he fled without any money.
On February 13, 2025 — just six days after the EZ Stop incident — Woodburn Police Officers Jonathan Ellis and William Ovchinnikov spotted Contreras-Salmion walking along Lincoln Street. He was again wearing a hoax explosive vest under his shirt. The officers approached and arrested him without knowing whether the device was real or not.
Contreras-Salmion later admitted to both robberies and building the fake explosive vests. He told investigators he was addicted to methamphetamine and committed the crimes because he was out of work and needed money.
A Marion County grand jury indicted him on two counts of Robbery in the Second Degree, one count of Attempted Robbery in the Second Degree, and one count of Possession of a Hoax Destructive Device.
“Robbery is traumatizing enough, but using a fake bomb to create fear and force compliance is especially cruel,” said Marion County Chief Deputy District Attorney Brendan Murphy. “That’s particularly true in Woodburn, which has a tragic history involving explosive devices.”
Murphy also praised the responding officers. “Officers Ellis and Ovchinnikov put the community ahead of themselves. They confronted a suspect who could have been wearing a real explosive device. Their courage helped bring this case to a close.”
The 100-month sentence reflects Oregon’s Ballot Measure 11 mandatory minimums. Second-degree robbery carries a minimum sentence of 70 months under ORS 164.405, with a possible maximum sentence of up to 140 months.
About the Marion County District Attorney’s Office
The Marion County DA’s Office seeks justice by promoting accountability, protecting victims and the public, and working collaboratively with law enforcement and the legal system.
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