SALEM, Ore. — Salem Police took a 16-year-old juvenile into custody Thursday afternoon following a report that a male displayed a handgun and struck another person in the head in southeast Salem.
At approximately 2:34 p.m. on October 8, 2026, officers responded to the area of Church Street SE and Bellevue Street SE after receiving a report that a male pulled a black handgun from a satchel and used it to hit another individual. Officers located a male matching the description in the area. When officers attempted to contact him, he ran.
After a foot pursuit, officers took the juvenile into custody near Pringle Creek with the assistance of Salem Police K-9 Andor. Officers located the satchel nearby. Detectives with the Strategic Investigations Unit responded and assisted with the investigation. Detectives secured a search warrant for the satchel, which resulted in the discovery of the handgun.
The juvenile was lodged at Marion County Juvenile on multiple charges including Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Interfering with a Police Officer and Escape in the Third Degree. These charges are related to activity observed by officers after the initial incident.
As of this time the victim of the reported assault has not been identified. Detectives are asking anyone with information on their identity to contact at 503-588-6123 or report it online at salempd.info/online-reports and click on the link that says, “Update an Existing Report” Reference case number SMP26083328.
The investigation is ongoing and further inquiries should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.
