Man back in custody after walking away from corrections van in June

A man who walked away from a state Department of Corrections van six months ago in Salem is back in custody, according to the agency.
Freezing rain expected in Salem as holiday travels begin

The National Weather Service is forecasting severe weather for Salem starting Thursday ahead of the holiday weekend as many plan to travel outside the Willamette Valley and through snowy mountain passes.
Man charged with starting four fires in East Lancaster neighborhood over weekend

Leonardo Hernandez-Cruz, 28, now faces four arson charges in Marion County Circuit Court after he was initially charged in starting one dumpster fire at a Salem BottleDrop.
Man arrested in fires at Salem BottleDrop, Lucky Fortune police say

Salem police in the hours that followed received three other reports of fires in the area. The agency said it was still investigating those incidents and wouldn’t provide additional information.
Homeless Salemites can count on daily dinner thanks to Jerry Barza
Barza seven nights a week serves food made by volunteers in the parking lot of homeless service provider the ARCHES Project.
YOUR GOVERNMENT: Commissioners consider pandemic funds for Catholic Community Services renovation

The Marion County Board of Commissioners will also hear an update on travel and tourism to Salem.
Oregon drug policy director pleads guilty to assaulting boy in Salem school program

Reginald Richardson pleaded guilty in October to a misdemeanor charge after prosecutors say he shoved a boy against a wall. It’s unclear whether he’s still employed in his governor-appointed role.
Deadline for Salem police, fire toy drives approaches

Salemites have until Monday to donate to toy drives run by the city’s police department, with a fire department drive ongoing until Monday, Dec. 19. Gifts for teens are especially needed.
Human skull found on I-5 is an “artifact,” state police say

The Oregon State Police said Wednesday that a human skull found two weeks ago on the freeway was “very old” and not linked to a homicide.
Salem police report no arrests after two shot in Winco parking lot

Police say two men were hospitalized after a person fired shots from a vehicle and fled the scene Tuesday night.

