Category Public Safety
Enchanted Forest evacuated after bomb threat, nothing suspicious found
The beloved theme park south of Salem was evacuated by law enforcement Thursday after a caller reported a bomb threat involving the park. A Marion County Sheriff’s Office spokesman said the threat appeared similar to fake 911 calls, or swatting.
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Marion County judge kept ‘unsecured’ gun under desk in chambers
Marion County Circuit Judge Channing Bennett kept a gun attached to the underside of his work desk. It was discovered days after he was put on leave for directing obscenities at his colleagues during an April after-hours work event.
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Chemeketa instructor charged with assault after causing large Center Street Bridge crash
Thomas D. Ewing, a psychology instructor at Chemeketa Community College, is facing assault and reckless endangering charges in Polk County after witnesses said he sped along the Center Street Bridge and damaged five vehicles. Polk County District Attorney Aaron Felton said he’d heard community concerns about Ewing’s driving months ahead of the crash.
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Judge criticizes firing of Salem school walk coordinator over a Ruby Bridges shirt
A judge on Tuesday appeared incredulous that the Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments fired its Safe Routes to School coordinator for wearing a shirt featuring an iconic Norman Rockwell portrait.
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Three young men sentenced for West Salem attack
Since January, three men ages 18 and 19 have been sentenced to years in prison for assaulting a man near Wallace Marine Park last August. Polk County’s top prosecutor said there “was no validity” to the men’s claim the attack had been an act of retaliation.
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24-year-old woman shot during Fourth of July fight in central Salem parking lot
A groundskeeper on private property asked a group setting off fireworks to leave prior to shooting.
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UPDATE: 5 injured by northeast Salem fireworks explosion
Late Saturday night, on the Fourth of July, an explosion of illegal fireworks injured five people on a northeast Salem street. Neighbors recalled seeing people lying on the ground in the aftermath, surrounded by glass from broken car windows. The victims are in stable condition as of Sunday afternoon.
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After Bush Park shooting, one counselor is addressing gang violence through employment
Local counselor and nonprofit owner Sonny Saltalamachia recently celebrated the launch of a food truck employing youth impacted by gangs, homelessness and mental health challenges. Among the staff is a victim of the 2024 Bush’s Pasture Park shooting, who recently graduated high school early with As and Bs on his report card.
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Man accused of attempting to kidnap 3-year-old boy in northeast Salem
Salem police arrested a man Sunday evening, June 28, after a local father reported that a stranger tried to kidnap his son while outside an apartment complex.
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