A Salem police vehicle. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Salem police arrested an 18-year-old Friday in connection with a shooting that occurred in early March.
Police acknowledged the uptick in shootings in northeast Salem in recent weeks and said teamwork with the community led to Anthony Gonzalez’s arrest.
On March 13, police responded to a report of a shots fired between two groups of juveniles in the 3400 block of Williams Ave. N.E. Police found 9mm casings and damage to a fence and a car after the teens fled the scene. No victims were found.
Detectives were able to find witnesses and video of the shooting and identified Gonzalez.
When he was arrested March 26, he had a 9mm handgun and was wearing the same clothing as he was during the shooting, police said.
“Thanks to the investigative leads provided by witnesses and video, patrol officers and detectives were able to piece together the critical information which led to the arrest,” the Salem Police Department said in a news release.
Gonzalez was charged with two counts of recklessly endangering another person and unlawful use of a weapon. He will be arraigned on April 7.
Police said following shootings, they increase both uniform and non-uniform patrols in those areas.
A 17-year-old was shot and later died in the Four Corners area during what the Marion County Sheriff’s Office said was a marijuana deal on March 24.
Deputies detained two 17-year-olds for the crime. One was released and the other accused of first-degree robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon and first-degree theft.
-Saphara Harrell
