Category Public Safety
Federal magistrate grants pretrial release to Tesla firebombing suspect despite objections
Adam Lansky, 41, is set to be released from federal custody Thursday evening after his attorney argued that his alleged crimes were a function of mental health issues that are now under control.
Turner Fire burns 30 acres of former prison farmland
A semi-truck ran through power lines on Southeast Gath Road, sparking a 30-acre fire that led to multiple evacuations along Turner Road in Salem and in the northeast corner of the city of Turner.
UPDATED: Crews stop advance of Turner Road fire
A car crash downed a power pole on Southeast Gath Road southeast of Salem Wednesday afternoon, sparking a brush fire that spread to a nearby structure.
Salem man charged with killing teen in crash now accused of sexually abusing minor
Christopher Atkinson, 33, was charged on July 2 with second-degree sexual abuse. He was already accused of taking four minors on an evening joyride on Marion County backroads, drinking and smoking marijuana with them before crashing, killing one teenager.
Police seek public’s help investigating arson that caused large railroad trestle fire
A police investigation into the railroad fire that threatened a downtown apartment building last month found that it was set intentionally, but no arrests have been made. The Salem Police Department is asking the public for help and information.
‘Sobering gut check’: Report shows more spam calls, fewer victim reports to Oregon bias hotline
A probe from Oregon’s Criminal Justice Commission is prompting calls for reform of the state's bias hotline after employees reported more than 2,200 calls that were abusive or spam last year.
Staff shortage delays revival of Marion County’s police crisis response team
Marion County officials had planned for a sheriff’s deputy and behavioral health worker to start responding together to crisis calls by July 1. A worker recruited for the team resigned last month, delaying its operation by several weeks.
Woodburn man charged in May 17 shooting that injured woman in downtown Salem
A confrontation at a downtown Salem bar spilled into State Street traffic, where a passenger fired several shots at another vehicle on May 17, according to Salem police.
Salem police try to crack down on shoplifting with state funding
A recent anti-shoplifting operation at Willamette Town Center led to the arrests of 11 people, although most aren’t facing criminal charges. The Salem Police Department is using a state grant to try to decrease shoplifting.