Category Public Safety
Key findings from the city’s gun violence report
Researchers combed through Salem Police Department reports and statistics to produce a picture of shootings in the city.
Salem shootings doubled, teen violence tripled in recent years, report finds
At least half of Salem shootings over five years involved gang members as victims, suspects or both, according to a newly released report.
Meanwhile, the number of teens arrested for serious assaults has tripled since 2020.
State program helps hundreds of households affected by 2020 Labor Day fires, but needs remain
State officials have spent or accounted for a $150 million wildfire recovery program from the Legislature though victims of the Labor Day blazes are far from whole.
Fired Salem police sergeant fighting loss of license resigns from new Aumsville job
Jeffrey Keniston resigned on Oct. 5 from the Aumsville Police Department after state officials found he used his authority to gain a sexual relationship with a domestic violence victim while employed by Salem. He is still challenging the revocation of his police license.
UPDATE: Man who died by suicide in Salem police station lobby had history of depression
Salem police say they could not establish why a man fatally shot himself in the agency’s lobby on Saturday. Investigators found no connection between the man and the police department, or the fact that he died by suicide on Veterans Day
Jury awards more than $3 million to Salem man falsely arrested by an officer who used excessive force
A jury found Salem Officer David S. Baker used excessive force in violation of Christopher Garza’s civil rights and committed battery and false arrest under state law.
Salem police shoot, injure man suspected of pointing gun in Popeyes parking lot
Police said a man pointed what appeared to be a gun at a Salem police officer before the officer shot him. The suspect's injury was not life-threatening, police said.
Salem reaches $95,000 settlement in lawsuit over 2018 arrest
Salem officials reached a settlement with Jose Carmona-Perez nearly four years after he sued the city, alleging police officers tackled and struck him on the ground during an arrest. The Salem City Council will vote Monday on the settlement.
Police investigating “suspicious death” of teen found in car in NE Salem
Salem police have not identified a 15-year-old boy found Monday morning in a car near a northeast Salem apartment complex. The agency is seeking tips from the public about the teen’s death.