Former Salem cop facing criminal charges has fled the state

Seth Thayres, in red, pictured while volunteering with cadets in Gulfport, Fla. The former Salem Police Department officer is facing criminal charges and recently fled the state. (Courtesy of Seth Thayres)

Troubled ex-Salem police officer Seth Thayres is now a fugitive, fleeing Oregon to avoid a possible prison sentence after he learned he would face more criminal charges. He said he would return if the charges were dismissed.

The 31-year-old, who was a four-year veteran…