Salem Police Bid Farewell To Retiring Officers - 07/30/10
Two long-time Salem Police Officers are retiring on July 30th.

Lieutenant Danny Deitz will be retiring after 31 1/2 years of dedicated service to our community. Lt Deitz was raised in Eugene, Oregon and served in the US Army. He was deployed to Vietnam in the Infantry, then as a Paratrooper serving with the Special Forces. He retired from the military as a Master Sergeant after 26 years of active service and reserves.
Lt Deitz was hired by the Salem Police Department in 1979 and has served as a Patrol Officer, Youth Services Officer, Patrol Corporal, Patrol Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant/Shift Commander, Traffic Control Unit Officer, Traffic Control Unit Sergeant, Personnel and Training Unit, Support Services Lieutenant and Special Operations Lieutenant. He was an original member of Salem's first SWAT Team, supervised the Tactical Negotiations Team, worked as the Field Training Coordinator and Emergency Operations Group Commander. Lt Deitz is also a State Certified instructor in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and Field Training Officer training, and he is a Firearms Instructor and instructor at the Oregon Public Safety Academy.

Senior Officer Larry Schmaltz will be retiring after 28 years of dedicated service to our community. He has served in the Patrol Division, was one of the original Downtown Bicycle Officers, Street Crimes Detective and for the last sixteen years with the Gang Enforcement Team.

Senior Officer Schmaltz is well known for his dry sense of humor and his ability to investigate gang-related crimes. He is the former Vice-President of the Northwest Gang Investigators Association and is recognized as one of the foremost gang experts in the region.

Lieutenant Deitz and Senior Officer Schmaltz have both made significant impacts not only on the Salem Police Department, but also on our community as a whole. Salem Police Chief Jerry Moore stated "Mere words are not enough to express our appreciation to these officers for their nearly 60 years of service to all of us. I've worked closely with both of these officers, and they should be proud of their contributions and accomplishments during their careers."

Congratulations to Lieutenant Deitz and Senior Officer Schmaltz on their long, successful careers, and the Salem Police Department wishes them well in their retirement.

Salem Police Arrest Church Burglar - 07/26/10
Salem Police Officers arrested one suspect and another escaped following a burglary at a South Salem Church early Sunday morning.

Officers were dispatched to a silent alarm at 1:55 am at the Salem Friends Church located at 1140 Baxter Rd SE in Salem. Officers arrived on scene within two minutes and discovered a door to the church was not secure. Other officers responded and confronted 20-year old Salem resident Rick Blanchard Jr as he was leaving the area of the church. He was in possession of musical equipment from the church and was arrested for Burglary in the Second Degree.

A canine officer also responded, and as the canine and officers were checking for further suspects a second suspect ran from the church. The canine attempted to track that suspect but could not locate him. That suspect is described as a white or Hispanic looking male in his twenties, approximately 5'10" tall, wearing shorts and a dark colored hooded sweatshirt.

The suspects appeared to be targeting musical equipment from the church, but it appears as though they were unable to escape with any property. Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is asked to call Salem Police Detective Corporal Jake Burke at 503-588-6050, extension 7149.

Salem Police Announce 25th Citizen Police Academy - 07/21/10
The Salem Police Department's 25th Citizen Police Academy will begin on September 8th for a period of 13 weeks, ending December 8, 2010. Classes will be limited to 20 citizens and will involve Wednesday evening classes as well as three Saturday classes.

The goal of the Citizen Police Academy is to inform and educate citizens regarding police practices and services and to enhance the relationship between the police department and the community. Classes include: a session with Chief Jerry Moore; Traffic Stops; Defensive Tactics; SWAT Operations; Ethics and Drug House Investigations.

Successful applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid driver's license, have no felony convictions, no misdemeanor arrests within 12 months prior to the Academy and must live or work within the City of Salem. The course is free, but to graduate, each student must attend at least 80% of the classes.

If you would like to be considered to attend the Academy, please contact Jennifer Graber, Salem Police Department at 588-6499 opt.1, or jgraber@cityofsalem.net and an application packet will be mailed to you. The deadline for completed applications is September 1, 2010, but applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early as spaces are filled on a first come, first served basis.

Suspect Arrested For Public Indecency In Public Parking Lot - 07/16/10
Salem Police arrested a suspect for Public Indecency following a report that he was sitting in his vehicle and exposing himself in a sexual manner as he was watching an adult female and a young girl in a nearby vehicle.

At about 3:40 pm on July 14, Salem Police responded to a parking lot at 2819 Lancaster Dr NE on a report of a suspect who was exposing himself in his vehicle. The suspect had left prior to the arrival of officers, but the witness provided officers with a description of both the suspect and his vehicle. The female victim and a five-year old girl were in the parking lot at 2819 Lancaster Dr when they observed the suspect looking at them while sitting in his vehicle with his pants partially pulled down, his genitals exposed and touching his genitals in a sexually explicit manner. Upon observing this activity the witness called the police.

As officers were responding to the scene other officers responded to the residence of the registered owner of the vehicle and contacted 42-year old Salem resident David West. West was ultimately arrested for Public Indecency. Because he is a Registered Sex Offender, the degree of crime was elevated to a felony and he was booked into the Marion County Jail.

Many times victims are shocked and embarrassed when placed in this type of situation. This is a sex related crime that the suspect chose to commit in the presence of innocent victims, and one that the Salem Police Department takes very seriously. Many times these suspects escalate from this type of sexual crime to more aggressive crimes against others.

This particular act occurred in broad daylight in a public parking lot along a busy street. Due to the blatant nature of this crime and the history of the suspect, Salem Police Detectives are interested in anybody else who may have had inappropriate encounters with suspect David West. His vehicle is a blue 2001 Dodge Caravan and a photo of West is attached. Anybody with any information about this case or any other encounters with West are asked to contact Salem Police Detective Jeff Staples at 503-588-6050, extension 7151.

National Night Out Kick-Off Party Next Week - 07/13/10
The Salem Police Department Crime Prevention Unit announces its third annual National Night Out Kick-Off Party to be held Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall atrium just outside the police department.

Staff invites Salem residents to attend the event to help boost community enthusiasm about hosting a neighborhood block party for National Night Out, which is Tuesday, August 3, 2010.

The kick-off party will be the place for last minute block party planners to register their block party and get some ideas from Party Depot and give-aways from Target Stores. Starbucks will also be there to provide refreshments. Representatives from the Parks & Transportation Services Division will be present to confirm any street closure or park use permits. Those who have already registered their party with the police department can pick up their commemorative t-shirt (while supplies last).

National Night Out is an evening dedicated to bringing neighbors and police together to stand united against crime. "This is Salem's night out against crime," said community relations analyst Angie Hedrick of the Crime Prevention Unit. She added, "Block parties can be simple front yard affairs or huge close-your-street shindigs with potluck treats and games for kids. Whatever your choice, take this opportunity to join with your neighbor and police and show community unity against crime."

Registered block parties will receive a visit from a National Night Out team consisting of a police officer, a local law enforcement or business mascot, and their assistant to pass out give-aways for kids.

For more information, please contact the Salem Police Department Crime Prevention Unit at (503) 588-6175.

SALEM AREA PIO FORUM SET FOR JULY 15TH - 07/12/10
Just a reminder that the next quarterly Salem area PIO meeting is set for Thusday, July 15th at 1:00 pm. The meeting will be held in the Senator Room at Courthouse Square, 555 Court Street NE.

This meeting is for all media and will be an excellent opportunity to meet and discuss issues with Public Information Officers from numerous disciplines in our area.

Feel free to bring your lunch if you wish, and we look forward to seeing you there.

Salem Police Arrest Meth Dealers - seize drugs, gun and police scanner - 07/09/10
Salem Police Dept. - Street Crimes Unit
Case #10-27028

At 10:50pm, Thursday, July 8th; SPD Street Crimes Unit Detectives concluded a short term drug investigation involving the distribution of methamphetamine in the Salem area. Detectives concluded the investigation with the contact and arrest of three individuals who were delivering 1/2 ounce of methamphetamine near Lancaster Dr. NE & Devonshire NE. The three suspects were arrested and taken into custody without incident.

When Detectives made contact with the suspects, they seized 1/2 ounce of methamphetamine, an electronic scale, an operational police scanner and a loaded 9mm semi-auto pistol.(The methamphetamine has a street value of $900.)

The suspects were identified as:
1) Matthew Brian WILLHOFT, w/m, 34yrs,(dob:07/16/76), 5173 Dory Ct.N., Keizer
2) Skyler Ray SCOTT, w/m, 20yrs,(dob:09/22/89), transient
3) Anthony M. COLE, w/m, 30yrs, (dob:02/27/80), transient

All three suspects were charged with the following and booked into the Marion County Jail.
1) WILLHOFT: Possession of Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine. Bail: $500,000
Distribution of Cont. Sub.-Methamphetamine. Bail: $20,000
Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Bail: $10,000
Probation Violation Warrant-Distribution Cont. Sub.-Methamphetamine. No bail
Parole Violation Warrant-Abscond. No bail
Total bail: $530,000

2)SCOTT: Distribution of Cont. Sub.-Methamphetamine. Bail: $500,000
Probation Violation Warrant. No bail

3) COLE: Distribution of Cont. Sub.-Methamphetamine. Bail: $500,000

Salem Police Arrest Medical Marijuana Grower - 07/09/10
Salem PD case #10-22744, Drug Investigation

Early Thursday morning, July 8th, Salem Police Street Crimes Detectives arrested Thomas F. COLE, 45 yrs., for illegally selling marijuana. The arrest and subsequent search warrant served on COLE's residence concluded a drug investigation over the past several weeks.

COLE, who is a Oregon Medical Marijuana Program,(OMMP), grower for two patients, was illegally selling marijuana to others. During the course of the investigation, COLE sold several ounces of marijuana up to the point he was arrested. COLE was booked into the Marion County Jail on the below listed charges.

A search warrant was served at COLE's residence in Salem, where marijuana plants, grow equipment, scales and $389.00 in cash was seized. There were eleven marijuana plants, ranging from 2 feet to 5 feet tall. 5.6 lbs of marijuana was seized during the investigation which had a street value of $22,500.

Suspect: Thomas Frederick COLE, w/m, 45 yrs. (dob: 03/11/65), 4649 Cherry Ct. SE, Salem.

Charges:
*Unlawful Possession of Marijuana. Bail: $20,000
*Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana, 3 counts. Bail: $60,000
*Unlawful Delivery of Marijuana w/in 1000 ft of a school, 2 counts. Bail: $80,000
*Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana. Bail: $40,000
*Unlawful Manufacturing of Marijuana w/in a 1000 ft of a school. Bail $40,000
Total Bail: $240,000

Salem Police Detectives Arrest Burglary Suspect McWilliams - 07/08/10
Salem Police Detectives received a tip today that Charles McWilliams, 45 years of age, was staying in the 1200 block of Marilyn St SE. The police had asked for the public's help Tuesday in locating McWilliams, who was wanted for a Parole Violation, as well as for burglarizing the Salem Habitat for Humanity during the Memorial Day weekend. When detectives got to the address at about 10:30 this morning, McWilliams was found sleeping on the floor. He was awakened and taken into custody without incident.

McWilliams is being booked into the Marion County Correctional Facility charged with a Parole Violation, Burglary II, three counts of Aggravated Theft I, three counts of Unauthorized Use of Vehicle, and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle.

Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation is asked to telephone Detective Tom Johnson at (503)588-6050 ext.7158 or Detective Curt Abel at ext.7161.

Salem Police Caution Residents To Close Garage Doors - 07/07/10
Salem Police Department Detectives have spotted a trend where homeowners are becoming the victims of burglary by leaving their garage doors standing open. Recently in south Salem there have been five burglaries in less than two weeks, all involving open garages. The thief or thieves have been stealing golf clubs, stereo equipment, and tools.

Residents are urged to close their garage doors as soon as they are through using their garages. While several of the thefts occurred overnight, at least two occurred during daytime hours.

For further information on how to safeguard your property, contact our Crime Prevention Unit at (503)588-6175.

Fugitive Arrested After Chase and Home Invasion - 07/06/10
Salem Police arrested a wanted suspect after he fled from officers in a vehicle, struck two other vehicles, fled on foot and charged into an occupied home.

Salem Police Street Crimes Detectives were working with FBI Agents to locate 39-year old Branch Niehouse. Niehouse was wanted on Burglary, Assault and Parole Violation warrants from Lane County and also on Federal Charges of Unlawful Flight To Avoid Prosecution. There was also information that he may be in possession of weapons and had a history of assaultive behavior.

Detectives and Agents spotted Niehouse near the intersection of Silverton Rd NE and Fisher Rd NE at about 11:50 am driving a silver Mitsubishi Galant. When they attempted to stop him he fled in the vehicle. He drove eastbound on Silverton Rd NE, striking two vehicles that were waiting to turn northbound onto Lancaster Dr NE. He then continued eastbound on Silverton Rd, turning southbound into an RV Park at 4490 Silverton Rd NE. After driving around the park he encountered a dead end in a storage area and abandoned the vehicle, jumping over a fence and running northbound across a field. The vehicle was still moving after he jumped out and it struck a fence and dumpster in the lot.

Niehouse continued to flee northbound, crossing Brown Rd NE and onto Wyoming St NE. He then jumped over a barrier and into an occupied residence in the 4600 block of Wyoming St. There were several people in the residence at the time, including several children. They were frightened by the suspect fleeing into their home and they escaped out the front door and to the safety of pursuing officers and a canine.

Niehouse locked himself in a bedroom of the residence as officers surrounded the building and began a conversation with him through the door. After several minutes he surrendered without further incident. He was taken into custody and was transported for medical treatment due to injuries he sustained while fleeing from officers.

In addition to the above listed warrants, Niehouse is being charged with Burglary in the First Degree for entering the residence on Wyoming St NE, two counts of Attempting to Elude A Police Officer, Criminal Mischief and three counts of Failure to Perform the Duties Of A Driver Involved In An Accident. The drivers of the other vehicles that were hit in the incident were not injured.

Detectives then returned to the Crosslands Motel located at 3535 Fisher Rd NE and made contact with 43-year old Eugene resident Laural Skinner. The investigation revealed that Niehouse and Skinner had been together prior to this incident, and she was ultimately charged with Hindering Prosecution, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Giving False Information To A Police Officer and her five-year old daughter was taken into protective custody and turned over to the Department of Human Services.

Photos of Niehouse and Skinner are attached

Salem Police Detectives Seek Public Assistance In Assault Investigation - 07/06/10
Salem Police Detectives are asking for assistance in locating a green, mid-1990s vintage Jeep Cherokee and its occupants that were involved in a hit and run crash on June 29th, then an assault shortly thereafter.

The crash occurred near the intersection of Adobe St and 47th Ave SE in Salem on the evening of June 29th. The driver of the green Jeep Cherokee fled from the scene of the crash and was followed by a witness. The Cherokee stopped near the intersection of Center St NE and Greencrest NE, and one of the occupants of the Cherokee assaulted the witness, causing substantial but non-life threatening injury.

The Jeep is described as a green mid-1990s vintage Jeep Cherokee. The jeep sustained damage to the right front corner and fender area during the crash and was reportedly occupied by several males.

A photo of a similar style vehicle is attached. Anybody with information as to the vehicle and/or the occupants is asked to contact Detective Corporal Garon Boyce at 503-588-6050, extension 7163.

Salem Police Seek Burglary Suspect - 07/06/10
The Salem Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating Charles McWilliams. McWilliams, who is wanted for a Parole Violation, is a suspect in several residential and commercial burglaries, including the May burglary of Habitat for Humanity.

McWilliams is a White male, 45 years of age, 5'3", 155 pounds, with brown eyes and blue eyes.

If McWilliams is spotted, the public is encouraged to call 911. Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts is asked to call detectives at (503)588-6050.

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Combat Auto Theft-July is National Auto Theft Prevention Month - 07/06/10
July is National Auto Theft Prevention Month and the Salem Police Department is asking the community to partner in the prevention of stolen vehicles.

One way to partner is to register your vehicle for the police department's Combat Auto Theft (CAT) Program. Through voluntary registration, owners may enroll one or all of their motorized vehicles which gives law enforcement officers the authority to stop the vehicle between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. to determine if the registered owner or their designee is driving.

Although auto theft occurs at all hours of the day or night, current statistics for our area show an increased frequency during that time period. Many of these thefts occur because of opportunity.

For a fee of $2.00 per vehicle, registrants receive a black and white decal which is affixed to the vehicle's rear window. It is the distinctive decal that alerts law enforcement officers of a registrant's consent and participation in the program.

In addition to registering your vehicles in the CAT program, consider employing any or all of these additional personal actions you can take to prevent your vehicle from being stolen:
• Remove your keys from the ignition. Never leave it running and unattended.
• Lock your vehicle doors and windows. Effectively limit access to your vehicle interior.
• Never leave plain valuables in plain sight. And, don't just hide them under the seat; take them out of the vehicle.
• Park in well lit area. Discourage a thief from approaching your vehicle because it's parked in the dark.
• Install deterrents. Consider using a steering wheel lock, ignition disable or tracking system.

Let's prevent auto theft twelve months a year – not just July!
For more information about the CAT program or to register, please contact the Salem Police Crime Prevention Unit at (503) 588-6175.

Police and Sheriff Cadets Graduate From Academy - 07/02/10
Thirty-seven Law Enforcement Cadets representing the Salem Police Department, Marion County Sheriff's Office, Yamhill County Sheriff's Office and Corvallis Police Department graduated from a two-week academy on the afternoon of July 2nd.

The graduation ceremony was held at the Chemeketa Community College Regional Training Center in Brooks, Oregon and was attended by the graduates, their family members, Salem Police Chief Jerry Moore, Yamhill County Sheriff Jack Crabtree, Marion County Sheriff's Office Commander Eric Hlad, Corvallis Police Sergeant Jim Zessin and other staff from all four agencies.

The Cadets, ranging in age from 14-years old to 21- years old, attended the academy that was hosted by the Salem Police Department and Marion County Sheriff's Office. The majority of the classes were held at the Oregon Public Safety Academy (DPSST), in classroom space that was generously donated by the Academy. The Cadets were able to not only attend classes at the facility, but they were also able to interact with full-time officers, deputies, troopers and corrections personnel who were also attending classes at the Academy. They also participated in the U.S. Honor Flag Ceremony that was held on June 25th.

Among the areas in which the students received instruction were Report Writing, Crime Scene Investigations, First Aid, Defensive Tactics, Traffic Stops, Criminal Law, Traffic Law and Physical Fitness. They also had the opportunity to tour the Marion County Jail and the Oregon Public Safety Academy.

These Cadets will now return to their respective agencies to serve the public in various capacities. Salem Police Chief Jerry Moore said "We are very proud of each and every one of these Cadets. They took time out of their summer vacations, they worked hard to learn about law enforcement and are showing great character in giving back to their communities."

The Cadets who graduated from the Academy are:
Salem Police Department-Grigoriy Artunyan, Javier Barron, Zachary Bartel, Korey Davis, Dallin DeFord, Aaron Dickey, Alex Matthews, Lewis Menges, Deric Kama, Andrey Karavaev, Jordan Kautz, Stacey Phipps, Brandon Rathelegarc, Daniel Rierson, Trevon Scharer, David Shorter, Daniel Stahlberg, Nicole Stapp, Adrian Torres and Jordan White.

Marion County Sheriff's Office-Corey Algeciras, Kamisha Cevera, Bradley Dayton, Richard Martin, Killian McClure, Cody Schrunk, Terrance Watters and Brady Lyons.

Yamhill County Sheriff's Office-Thomas Clayton, Christina Eastman, Christopher Menne and Justin Moehlmann.

Corvallis Police Department-Alex Deardorff, Timothy Johnson, Christopher Pace, Brandon Neperud and Joshua Zessin.

Salem Area PIO Forum Set For July 15th - 07/01/10
The next quarterly Salem area PIO meeting is set for Thusday, July 15th at 1:00 pm. The meeting will be held in the Senator Room at Courthouse Square, 555 Court Street NE.

This meeting is for all media and will be an excellent opportunity to meet and discuss issues with Public Information Officers from numerous disciplines in our area.

Feel free to bring your lunch if you wish, and we look forward to seeing you there.