Category Public Safety
City wants ambulance service to pay overtime costs already covered by others
The city of Salem on July 1 took over ambulance service. That same day, it sued ambulance company Falck Northwest on a variety of claims. They included seeking nearly $7 million for fines the city had elected not to impose over three years. The city also wants money for contract violations it had once said wouldn’t be penalized.
11-year-old Salem girl found safe after Tuesday evening kidnapping
Salem police have arrested 48-year-old Elijah Galaviz Arce, who investigators say lured an 11-year-old girl from her northeast Salem home. He has been charged with kidnapping, sexual abuse and giving methamphetamine to a minor. Salem police believe there may be more victims.
Report shows electrical failure started fire that destroyed NE Salem office
A fire marshal investigation found that an electrical failure started the fire that destroyed an office building in northeast Salem last month. The fire destroyed $1.7 million in property and forced care providers to relocate.
Two men sentenced to prison for 2024 MacLaren escape
Two of the men who escaped from MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility last year were sentenced to prison last month after pleading guilty to the escape. The three young men who escaped from the facility are all currently in prison, although one is not charged in the escape.
West Salem student who died in Tuesday crash was known for his empathy and ambition
Elijah Jung, an incoming senior at West Salem High School, died in a car crash outside of West Salem Tuesday night. A vigil is scheduled at the crash site on Northwest Gibson Road at 6:30 p.m. Friday.
Man injured in West Salem house fire Thursday morning
A two-alarm house fire required hours of work and 43 firefighters to get under control. One occupant was taken to the hospital with burns.
State’s juvenile justice system gets new leader following scrutiny over agency abuse investigations
Gov. Tina Kotek nominated Michael Tessean, most recently director of the Colorado State Board of Parole, to lead the Oregon Youth Authority after firing its former leader.
Man arrested in Salem, accused of distributing fentanyl leading to fatal overdose
A man living in northeast Salem is accused of aiding a large drug trafficking operation in the Pacific Northwest with ties to Mexico and Honduras. He delivered drugs, including counterfeit fentanyl pills, that recently killed someone by overdose in Portland, federal authorities said.
Marion County to take over Polk sheriff patrols on Willamette River
After funding changes at the Oregon State Marine Board, Polk County has terminated its patrol on the Willamette and Marion County will assume responsibilities.