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.
UPDATE: Marion County commissioners approve startup grant for mental illness treatment program
Commissioners on Wednesday approved a $1.2 million contract with B2 Community Care to purchase and open a residential treatment home for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities as well as severe mental illness.
64-year-old man dies, teen charged with murder in June 29 attack
Police and prosecutors have provided little information about the attack that killed Russell Mikolas.
UPDATE: ARCHES cooling center extends Friday, Saturday hours due to heat
Temperatures around 92-97 degrees and possible “critical fire weather conditions” are expected in the Willamette Valley through Saturday, according to alerts from the National Weather Service.
New Sheriff Nick Hunter wants to get to the root of Marion County’s pressing issues
Commissioners on June 7 appointed Nick Hunter Marion County Sheriff, completing the term of retiring Sheriff Joe Kast. Hunter has supervised three of four divisions and led a SWAT team at the sheriff’s office.
Salem teen sentenced to life in prison for 2021 murder-for hire
Gerardo Trujillo-Torres, now 19, pleaded guilty to shooting two people and killing one when he was 16 in January 2021. The teen must serve at least 15 years before he will be eligible for parole.
No cause reported for fire in furniture factory at Oregon State Penitentiary
Prison officials say no one was seriously injured in a fire Monday at an Oregon Corrections Enterprises furniture factory.
TIMELINE: 84 days before Salem police provided fatal crash evidence to investigators
Salem police did not provide body camera video related to a March fatal bike collision until nearly three months later to outside investigators. Public records and statements from local authorities establish the events between the time the video was recorded and when that evidence was turned over to the Keizer police.
UPDATE: Marion County commissioners renew Woodburn crisis response
Commissioners on Wednesday unanimously approved a $300,000 contract with the city of Woodburn to provide mobile crisis services.
Salem police gave video evidence to investigators three months after cyclist’s death
Salem police did not share body camera video with outside investigators related a fatal bike collision for nearly three months, an investigation by Salem Reporter has established. Police said at the time that the driver was a federal agent.
Former Boy Scouts leader arrested for sexual abuse of minor in Marion County
Terry Heck was charged Friday with sexually abusing a minor as young as 11 over several years. Salem police say the abuse began in 2017, when Heck was a leader with the Boy Scouts organization.