Category Public Safety
Pedestrian killed in I-5 Salem crash Thursday, state police seek witnesses
A man was hit and killed on I-5 near Center Street early yesterday morning, according to the Oregon State Police. The agency is looking for witnesses who may have seen him in the area before his death or dash camera footage from drivers.
Salem police arrest man with arson history for burglary of West Salem hardware store
Tristin Sillman, who pleaded guilty to starting a major 2021 fire at a self-storage facility near the Salem airport, is facing burglary charges after police arrested him Wednesday at the West Salem Ace Hardware.
Woman, 71, killed in North Lancaster house fire
Lesa Lemons, 71, of Salem was found dead in a home she owned on Oak Park Drive that caught fire Wednesday afternoon. The fire is not considered suspicious, authorities said.
McNary student accused of threatening coastal concert
A 15-year-old Keizer boy was arrested at school Monday in connection with a phone threat that shut down a concert in Lincoln City last month.
New police plan prioritizes continued efforts to cut shootings, serious traffic crashes
The Salem Police Department is continuing work with community partners to reduce shootings, according to its new strategic plan. A now fully-staffed traffic team will allow Salem police to gather more data and do more proactive traffic enforcement, Chief Trevor Womack said.
Oregon gun law case awaits Supreme Court hearing
Oregon's highest court will take up Measure 114, the 2022 voter-approved ballot measure banning high capacity magazines and requiring firearm permits. The U.S. Supreme Court may soon hear a challenge to a similar California law.
Fire department response times will get worse as call volume continues to rise, chief says
Salem Fire Chief David Gerboth provided Salem city councilors with an overview of the Salem Fire Department on Monday night during a council work session. Gerboth updated councilors on the status of the department’s new ambulance service, and also discussed the fact that as call volumes continue to increase while staffing remains stagnant, response times will continue to get worse.
Power outages impact thousands in Salem amid heavy rain and wind
Amid high winds and rain, more than 4,000 residences in south Salem are without power. Restorations for the affected areas are expected Sunday at 1:45 a.m.
Salem police investigate report of man brandishing gun at No Kings protesters
A Salem woman said she saw a man in a pickup truck block an intersection where protesters were crossing the street near the Oregon Capitol Saturday before brandishing a handgun.