Category Public Safety
Moving beyond addiction: Portland-area advocates, police see signs of improvement
New deflection programs in Multnomah and Washington counties try to steer people towards treatment, but officials do not expect a quick turnaround.
Man charged with driving impaired, killing father in 2023 crash in West Salem
David J. Nelson, 24, is charged with manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and driving under the influence for his role in an October 2023 crash that killed his father, David L. Nelson, 55. Police said at the time that the driver veered off state Highway 22 into an embankment.
Police arrest Portland man with rifle near Salem Hospital after foot chase
Luis Escobedo Castaneda is accused of carrying a rifle outside the Salem Hospital campus Tuesday night. Salem police said he motioned repeatedly toward his waist, where the gun was visible, prompting officers to use “less lethal rounds” and a police dog to arrest him.
Gunshots fired into windows of Salem Tesla dealership, police say
A Wednesday morning shooting is the second criminal incident reported at the Salem Tesla dealership on Southeast Mission Street in the last month. The FBI is helping Salem police investigate the shooting and a suspected arson on Jan. 20.
Man accused of displaying gun in West Salem neighborhood before standoff with police
Salem police said Mark Coutis got into a standoff with officers for almost two hours on Friday, Feb. 14, before surrendered and was arrested on accusations of stalking, menacing and unlawful use of a weapon.
Gov. Kotek, Legislature want to pause action on wildfire hazard map to quell public frustration
Kotek directed the state forestry department to pause any further action based on the map until the Legislature decides to keep, update or repeal it.
Ice expected overnight Thursday in Salem, with temperatures warming Friday
Drivers should remain cautious on Salem roads, but the freezing rain forecast for Salem likely won’t be enough to bring down trees or power lines.
Husband of cyclist killed in crash sues DEA agent, Salem police
Mark Meleason alleged in a lawsuit filed in federal court Wednesday that DEA agent Samuel Landis “acted with deliberate indifference” to people in the Gaiety Hill neighborhood when he sped, ran a stop sign and caused a crash that killed Meleason’s wife, cyclist Marganne Allen.
ICE STORM UPDATES: Your guide to Salem conditions on Thursday
The National Weather Service is forecasting rain, snow and freezing rain throughout Thursday. An ice storm warning remains in effect through 4 a.m. Friday.