Ardeshir Tabrizian
Ardeshir Tabrizian has covered the justice system and public safety for Salem Reporter since September 2021. As an Oregon native, his award-winning watchdog journalism has traversed the state. He has done reporting for The Oregonian, Eugene Weekly and Malheur Enterprise.
New details emerge on how Salem police managed DEA crash information
Newly released records show spokespeople for Salem police kept in much closer contact with the DEA than previously disclosed in the days following its agent colliding with a cyclist. The Salem agency exchanged repeated phone calls with the driver’s federal employer while telling the public little after the March 28 fatal crash.
UPDATE: Marion County commissioners re-up state grant for child support services
Commissioners on Wednesday approved a $750,000 agreement with the state to maintain a county program through which prosecutors help families resolve matters related to child support. The contract lasts four years.
Liberty Fire contained after burning 25 acres, threatening hundreds of homes
A fast-spreading grass fire that came close to south Salem subdivisions Wednesday was controlled within hours thanks to help from a nearby construction crew, air support and over 100 firefighters. Fire crews are monitoring the area as Salem’s forecast calls for high temperatures and low humidity in the coming days.
Gresham woman’s death at NE Salem hotel prompts homicide investigation
Salem police say they are investigating the death of 22-year-old Janet Ramos-Hernandez as a homicide. The agency declined to say whether a suspect had been identified or arrested.
Salem man sentenced to life in prison for grisly 2020 stabbing, cover-up of teen’s body
Alexander Mosqueda Rivera-Burdette killed Josiah Bagnall before dismembering and burying his body when they were both 18. Prosecutors say Bagnall was stabbed more than 20 times.
1 killed, 2 injured in Four Corners shooting Thursday night
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said a suspect accused of shooting three people, one fatally, in the Four Corners neighborhood Thursday night is in custody. The agency has provided little information about the shooting.
UPDATE: Marion County commissioners approve raising certain garbage rates
Commissioners on Wednesday approved garbage rate increases for landfill demolition and items including refrigerators, air conditioners and medical waste.
Man accused of setting Willamette Queen riverboat adrift
A riverboat known for hosting local events floated down the Willamette River early Monday morning with no one on board and hit the Center Street Bridge after a man set the boat loose, its owners said.
UPDATE: Marion County commissioners approve seeking contractor for Brooks water system improvements
Commissioners on Wednesday voted to solicit a construction contractor to manage water and wastewater improvements in the communities of Brooks and Hopmere. The work is part of a county effort to boost economic development in the unincorporated area.
Motorcyclist dies after east Salem collision
Brian Merrill, 48, was riding a motorcycle north on Southeast Cordon Road the afternoon of Sunday, Aug. 6, when police say a driver headed south turned left in front of him into a driveway. The motorcyclist was killed.