Category Public Safety
Teens face charges after stabbing melee in Keizer park
A 17-year-old Salem boy was among seven teens charged following a fight July 22 where three were stabbed at Claggett Creek Park. Authorities said most had no previous arrests.
Oregon wildfire survivors to pay federal taxes on settlements next year after state bill failed
A proposal to require utilities cover federal income taxes on settlements paid to powerline-ignited wildfire survivors died and a federal law providing relief is set to expire.
COLUMN: A hands-on guide for emergency planning
Mark Wardell, the leader of West Salem’s Community Emergency Response Team, walks step-by-step through his family guide for preparing for an emergency.
Suspect in UGM stabbing ordered to receive mental care at Oregon State Hospital
The Bend man charged in last month’s mass stabbing at the Union Gospel Mission was ordered Thursday to be committed to the Oregon State Hospital within a week. Tony L. Williams, 42, has been ordered to mental care at the state hospital twice before, records show.
State hospital worker who punched patient gets break from state judge
A mental health worker pleaded no contest in February to assaulting a patient at the Oregon State Hospital who he said attacked him. Judge Audrey Broyles dropped his charges anyway, citing dangerous conditions at the hospital. She told Salem Reporter the man committed no crime.
Keizer councilor advised officer of position, police connections during incident
Facing accusations of assault, Soraida Cross advised a poilce officer that she was a city councilor and that she talked to the Keizer police chief "all the time," according to a police video obtained by Keizertimes. Cross didn't respond to questions about the disclosures.
Old Shari’s in east Salem damaged by early Monday morning fire
An early morning fire Monday charred the east Salem location of Shari’s Café & Pies, with little damage to the former restaurant’s interior and no injuries reported. Both of Salem’s Shari’s locations have been closed since October 2024.
3 accused of egging unsheltered people in downtown Salem
The Salem Police Department has cited three people for bias and disorderly conduct after reports that unsheltered people had been hit with eggs three nights in a row last week. Police found over 225 eggs in the suspects’ car. Homeless service providers said their clients are still struggling to process it.
UGM stabbing suspect needs mental care at Oregon State Hospital to face charges, psychologist finds
The Bend man charged with stabbing 11 people at the Union Gospel Mission in June could be sent to the Oregon State Hospital for mental health care if a judge finds him unfit to face the charges against him. In a sealed report, a psychologist recommended that the man receive care at the state hospital for three months.