Your Monday evening update on Salem news

Good evening, Salem.

A man suspected of domestic violence led state troopers on a freeway pursuit Monday from Salem into Clackamas County, according to the Oregon State Police.

Western University of Health Sciences Lebanon Oregon

Troopers were investigating a report of domestic abuse which occurred the evening before on Highway 214 near Silver Falls State Park, the agency said in a Tuesday statement. They found the suspect’s car around 11:50 a.m. Monday southeast of Salem.

The driver fled from troopers north on Interstate 5 from the Salem area, driving over 115 miles per hour, according to the statement. Police pursued his car until it became stuck in a field off Northeast Eilers Road, south of Wilsonville.

The suspect, Matthew J. Rodgers, refused to get out of the car and was armed with a hatchet. After police were unable to negotiate with him, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office deputies deployed a chemical irritant into the vehicle. He then got out of the vehicle and was arrested.

Prosecutors charged Rodgers, 33, of McMinnville, in Marion County Circuit Court with unlawful use of a weapon, second-degree criminal mischief, fleeing police and reckless driving. He was also charged with strangulation and fourth-degree assault based on the domestic violence accusations.

In other public safety news, a fire early Tuesday morning left a pallet manufacturing shop northeast of Salem “a total loss,” according to Marion County Fire District No. 1.

The agency around 1 a.m. received reports of the fire at Northeast Silverton and Lardon Roads, near the unincorporated community of Middle Grove. The building was “fully involved” in the fire when fire crews arrived, the district said in a statement.

Crews used defensive tactics to stop the fire from spreading to two nearby homes and requested two water tankers, since the area had no fire hydrants. Crews got the fire under control in around 40 minutes and no one was injured. The agency did not identify in the statement what caused the fire and said it was still investigating.

Here’s some of our latest coverage. Find all our coverage on our website here.

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Fate of DEA agent’s criminal prosecution now rests with appellate judges

Community polling shows most Salemites would pay more for fire, police

Editor’s Note: What readers told us and changes we’re making at Salem Reporter

YOUR GOVERNMENT: School board gets first look at Salem-Keizer budget with deep cuts

Salem voter’s guide to the May 21, 2024, primary election

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