Salem Police Dept.

Emergency Messages as of 4:48 PM, Sat. Nov 15

No information currently posted.

logo

Subscribe to receive FlashAlert messages from Salem Police Dept..

Manage my existing Subscription

News Release

Single?vehicle Crash Results In Fatality, Investigation Ongoing - 11/14/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

DATE: November 14, 2025 

CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net 

 

Single‑vehicle crash results in fatality, investigation ongoing 

 

SALEM, Ore. — A Salem woman died Wednesday night after her vehicle left the roadway and overturned on Cunningham Lane South. 

 

Cynthia Priscilla Miller, 68, of Salem, was driving eastbound around 9:49 p.m. on November 12 when her vehicle left the roadway, and struck two fences, before coming to rest on its top in a residential yard. Miller, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene. The cause of the crash is yet to be determined, and the investigation is ongoing. 

 

The Salem Police Traffic Team is leading the investigation and next of kin notification was completed.  

 

This marks the eighth fatal collision in Salem this year, resulting in eight deaths. 

 

### 

 

Single?vehicle Crash Results In Fatality, Investigation Ongoing - 11/14/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

DATE: November 14, 2025 

CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net 

 

Single‑vehicle crash results in fatality, investigation ongoing 

 

SALEM, Ore. — A Salem woman died Wednesday night after her vehicle left the roadway and overturned on Cunningham Lane South. 

 

Cynthia Priscilla Miller, 68, of Salem, was driving eastbound around 9:49 p.m. on November 12 when her vehicle left the roadway, and struck two fences, before coming to rest on its top in a residential yard. Miller, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene. The cause of the crash is yet to be determined, and the investigation is ongoing. 

 

The Salem Police Traffic Team is leading the investigation and next of kin notification was completed.  

 

This marks the eighth fatal collision in Salem this year, resulting in eight deaths. 

 

### 

 

Retail Theft Operation Nets Multiple Arrests And Fentanyl Seizure (Photo) - 10/31/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: October 31, 2025 
 

 

Retail Theft Operation Nets Multiple Arrests and Fentanyl Seizure 

 

SALEM, Ore. — A coordinated retail theft operation conducted Thursday at the Willamette Town Center resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of stolen merchandise. 

 

On October 30, detectives from the Salem Police Department’s Felony Crimes Unit, in partnership with the Violent Crimes Unit, Patrol Division, and loss prevention teams from TJ Maxx, Sierra, HomeGoods, and Burlington, conducted a targeted retail theft sting at the shopping center on Lancaster Drive NE. The operation was funded by the Oregon Department of Justice Organized Retail Theft Grant Program. 

 

Over the course of the operation, seven individuals were arrested for various theft-related offenses. One individual was also charged with interfering with a peace officer and possession of fentanyl. Several outstanding arrest warrants were served. Approximately $1,000 in stolen merchandise was recovered. 

 

Arrested individuals and their charges are: 

  • Erick Talbott, 31, of Salem – Theft  

  • Ryan Bates, 38, of Salem – Theft  

  • Efrain Roberts, 44, of Salem – Theft  

  • Alisha Corona, 43, of Salem – Theft  

  • Austin Zehner, 28, of Salem – Theft  

  • Deanna Oneill, 25, of Stayton – Theft  

  • Kevin Aguilar, 33, of Salem – Theft, Interfering with a Peace Officer, Possession of a Controlled Substance – Fentanyl 

 

 The Salem Police Department remains committed to addressing organized retail theft and its impact on local businesses through proactive enforcement and strong community partnerships. This operation was made possible through funding from the Oregon Department of Justice Organized Retail Theft Grant Program. We extend our thanks to the Oregon Department of Justice, participating retail partners, and all involved personnel for their collaboration and dedication. 

###

 

Attached Media Files: SMP25094409-1-25068105 (1).png,

Retail Theft Operation Nets Multiple Arrests And Fentanyl Seizure (Photo) - 10/31/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: October 31, 2025 
 

 

Retail Theft Operation Nets Multiple Arrests and Fentanyl Seizure 

 

SALEM, Ore. — A coordinated retail theft operation conducted Thursday at the Willamette Town Center resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of stolen merchandise. 

 

On October 30, detectives from the Salem Police Department’s Felony Crimes Unit, in partnership with the Violent Crimes Unit, Patrol Division, and loss prevention teams from TJ Maxx, Sierra, HomeGoods, and Burlington, conducted a targeted retail theft sting at the shopping center on Lancaster Drive NE. The operation was funded by the Oregon Department of Justice Organized Retail Theft Grant Program. 

 

Over the course of the operation, seven individuals were arrested for various theft-related offenses. One individual was also charged with interfering with a peace officer and possession of fentanyl. Several outstanding arrest warrants were served. Approximately $1,000 in stolen merchandise was recovered. 

 

Arrested individuals and their charges are: 

  • Erick Talbott, 31, of Salem – Theft  

  • Ryan Bates, 38, of Salem – Theft  

  • Efrain Roberts, 44, of Salem – Theft  

  • Alisha Corona, 43, of Salem – Theft  

  • Austin Zehner, 28, of Salem – Theft  

  • Deanna Oneill, 25, of Stayton – Theft  

  • Kevin Aguilar, 33, of Salem – Theft, Interfering with a Peace Officer, Possession of a Controlled Substance – Fentanyl 

 

 The Salem Police Department remains committed to addressing organized retail theft and its impact on local businesses through proactive enforcement and strong community partnerships. This operation was made possible through funding from the Oregon Department of Justice Organized Retail Theft Grant Program. We extend our thanks to the Oregon Department of Justice, participating retail partners, and all involved personnel for their collaboration and dedication. 

###

 

Attached Media Files: SMP25094409-1-25068105 (1).png,

Community Alert. Police Response. Crime Interrupted — Together From Alarm To Arrest - 10/29/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: OCTOBER 29, 2025

UPDATE: Correction - Community alert. Police response. Crime interrupted — together from alarm to arrest 

SALEM, Ore. — This is to correct the spelling of Spillman's first name previously published. The correct spelling is Tristin not Tristan.

###

+++ ORIGINAL RELEASE +++

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

DATE: October 29, 2025 
 

 

 Community alert. Police response. Crime interrupted — together from alarm to arrest 

 

SALEM, Ore. — A Salem man was arrested early Wednesday morning after officers responded to a burglary in progress at a hardware store on Wallace Road NW and located the suspect inside attempting to steal merchandise. 

 

On October 29 at approximately 12:36 a.m., Salem patrol officers responded to an alarm activation at a business on Wallace Road NW. The owners called 911 to report that multiple alarm triggers were activated and the store’s camera feed had since gone offline. 

 

The first officer to arrive observed a masked individual walking inside the closed business. The building was quickly contained by multiple Salem patrol officers, with a Marion County canine unit responding to assist with the search. Officers issued commands for the suspect to surrender. The individual initially attempted to flee through the building but ultimately exited through the front door and was taken into custody without incident. 

 

The suspect was identified as Tristan Sillman, 27, of Salem. A search of the building confirmed no other individuals were inside. Sillman had broken a rear window to gain entry, tampered with the store’s surveillance system, and began staging numerous items — including power tools, knives, and other merchandise — for theft. 

 

When officers searched Sillman, during the arrest, they located a concealed fixed-blade dagger under his clothing. 

 

Sillman, a convicted felon, was lodged at the jail on multiple felony charges including burglary, criminal mischief, theft, and felon in possession of a weapon. 

 

The Salem Police Department extends its appreciation to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for the assistance provided by their canine unit during the incident. 

 

All further inquiries regarding prosecution will be handled by the Polk County District Attorney’s Office. 

 

### 

 

Community Alert. Police Response. Crime Interrupted — Together From Alarm To Arrest - 10/29/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: OCTOBER 29, 2025

UPDATE: Correction - Community alert. Police response. Crime interrupted — together from alarm to arrest 

SALEM, Ore. — This is to correct the spelling of Spillman's first name previously published. The correct spelling is Tristin not Tristan.

###

+++ ORIGINAL RELEASE +++

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

DATE: October 29, 2025 
 

 

 Community alert. Police response. Crime interrupted — together from alarm to arrest 

 

SALEM, Ore. — A Salem man was arrested early Wednesday morning after officers responded to a burglary in progress at a hardware store on Wallace Road NW and located the suspect inside attempting to steal merchandise. 

 

On October 29 at approximately 12:36 a.m., Salem patrol officers responded to an alarm activation at a business on Wallace Road NW. The owners called 911 to report that multiple alarm triggers were activated and the store’s camera feed had since gone offline. 

 

The first officer to arrive observed a masked individual walking inside the closed business. The building was quickly contained by multiple Salem patrol officers, with a Marion County canine unit responding to assist with the search. Officers issued commands for the suspect to surrender. The individual initially attempted to flee through the building but ultimately exited through the front door and was taken into custody without incident. 

 

The suspect was identified as Tristan Sillman, 27, of Salem. A search of the building confirmed no other individuals were inside. Sillman had broken a rear window to gain entry, tampered with the store’s surveillance system, and began staging numerous items — including power tools, knives, and other merchandise — for theft. 

 

When officers searched Sillman, during the arrest, they located a concealed fixed-blade dagger under his clothing. 

 

Sillman, a convicted felon, was lodged at the jail on multiple felony charges including burglary, criminal mischief, theft, and felon in possession of a weapon. 

 

The Salem Police Department extends its appreciation to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for the assistance provided by their canine unit during the incident. 

 

All further inquiries regarding prosecution will be handled by the Polk County District Attorney’s Office. 

 

### 

 

Domestic Violence Call Leads To Felony Arrest, Stolen Gun Recovery, And Drug Seizure (Photo) - 10/28/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: October 28, 2025 
 

 

Domestic Violence Call Leads to Felony Arrest, Stolen Gun Recovery, and Drug Seizure 

SALEM, Ore. — A domestic violence investigation Monday night led to the arrest of a Salem man on multiple felony charges, including menacing, weapons violations, and drug trafficking, after officers recovered a stolen handgun and evidence of cocaine manufacturing. 

On October 27 at approximately 9:30 p.m., Salem Police officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at a residence in southeast Salem. The suspect, Jeffery Helmer, 40, of Salem, reportedly menaced the victim with both a knife and a firearm earlier in the evening before fleeing the scene. 

During the investigation, officers interviewed involved parties and reviewed evidence related to the incident. Based on the information gathered, probable cause was established for multiple felony charges. 

Helmer was located at a bar on Lancaster Drive NE and taken into custody without incident. A search of his vehicle led to the recovery of a stolen handgun believed to have been used in the incident. Officers also located evidence of cocaine delivery and manufacturing. 

Helmer was lodged at the jail on charges of domestic violence menacing, unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a stolen firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, delivery and manufacturing of a controlled substance — cocaine, and additional drug-related offenses. 

Helmer is scheduled to be arraigned today October 28, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex 4000 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem. Since the suspect is in custody, all further media inquiries will be handled by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. 

###

Attached Media Files: SMP25093464 copy-7-SMP25083327.png,

Domestic Violence Call Leads To Felony Arrest, Stolen Gun Recovery, And Drug Seizure (Photo) - 10/28/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
DATE: October 28, 2025 
 

 

Domestic Violence Call Leads to Felony Arrest, Stolen Gun Recovery, and Drug Seizure 

SALEM, Ore. — A domestic violence investigation Monday night led to the arrest of a Salem man on multiple felony charges, including menacing, weapons violations, and drug trafficking, after officers recovered a stolen handgun and evidence of cocaine manufacturing. 

On October 27 at approximately 9:30 p.m., Salem Police officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at a residence in southeast Salem. The suspect, Jeffery Helmer, 40, of Salem, reportedly menaced the victim with both a knife and a firearm earlier in the evening before fleeing the scene. 

During the investigation, officers interviewed involved parties and reviewed evidence related to the incident. Based on the information gathered, probable cause was established for multiple felony charges. 

Helmer was located at a bar on Lancaster Drive NE and taken into custody without incident. A search of his vehicle led to the recovery of a stolen handgun believed to have been used in the incident. Officers also located evidence of cocaine delivery and manufacturing. 

Helmer was lodged at the jail on charges of domestic violence menacing, unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a stolen firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, delivery and manufacturing of a controlled substance — cocaine, and additional drug-related offenses. 

Helmer is scheduled to be arraigned today October 28, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex 4000 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem. Since the suspect is in custody, all further media inquiries will be handled by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. 

###

Attached Media Files: SMP25093464 copy-7-SMP25083327.png,

UPDATE: Early Morning Shots Fired Call Results In Two People Being Arrested (Photo) - 10/22/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

DATE: October 22, 2025 

CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net 

 

UPDATE: Early morning Shots Fired Call Results in Two People Being Arrested 

 

Salem, Ore. — A firearm recovered during an arrest earlier this week has been linked to gunfire damage at a southeast Salem business, resulting in additional charges against one of the suspects. 

 

On October 20, 2025, at approximately 3:40 a.m., Salem Police officers responded to a report of gunfire near the 4000 block of Commercial St SE. Two individuals were contacted in the area and arrested after being found in possession of firearms.  

 

Later that morning, officers were dispatched to a business in the same area on a report of property damage. Responding officers located bullet damage to the building and recovered spent firearm casings at the scene. 

 

Analysis was conducted on the firearm recovered during the initial arrest and the casings found at the scene. As a result of this analysis, the additional charges of unlawful use of a weapon and criminal mischief are being filed against Alexander Salgado-Maya. 

 

The collaboration and investigative efforts, from patrol officer response to the investigative follow-up and the precision of the analysis, underscore the Salem Police Department’s ongoing commitment to our Community Violence Reduction Initiative.  

 

Salgado-Maya remains in custody at the Marion County Jail. All further media inquiries should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. 

 

 

Original Release October 20, 2025

Salem, Ore. — Patrol officers responded to the 4000 block of Commercial St SE at 03:40 a.m. on Monday October 20, 2025, after receiving reports of gun shots in the area. As officers arrived, they contacted two males. One suspect produced a firearm, leading to a physical struggle as officers took both of them into custody. 

 

Officers identified the suspects as Christopher Alan Stone,19 and Alexander Salgado-Maya, 22 both from Salem. Stone and Salgado-Maya were transported to the Marion County Jail on charges including unlawful possession of a weapon, resisting arrest and other firearms related charges. Additionally, Salgado-Maya had two felony arrest warrants for burglary and theft. 

 

Salgado-Maya is scheduled to be arraigned today October 20, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. Stone is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday October 21, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. Both appearances will be at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex 4000 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem. 

 

With both suspects in custody, all further media inquiries will be handled by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. 

 

 

                                                                                         ### 

Attached Media Files: SMP-2-SMP25091132.png, SMP25091132-3.png,

UPDATE: Early Morning Shots Fired Call Results In Two People Being Arrested (Photo) - 10/22/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

DATE: October 22, 2025 

CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net 

 

UPDATE: Early morning Shots Fired Call Results in Two People Being Arrested 

 

Salem, Ore. — A firearm recovered during an arrest earlier this week has been linked to gunfire damage at a southeast Salem business, resulting in additional charges against one of the suspects. 

 

On October 20, 2025, at approximately 3:40 a.m., Salem Police officers responded to a report of gunfire near the 4000 block of Commercial St SE. Two individuals were contacted in the area and arrested after being found in possession of firearms.  

 

Later that morning, officers were dispatched to a business in the same area on a report of property damage. Responding officers located bullet damage to the building and recovered spent firearm casings at the scene. 

 

Analysis was conducted on the firearm recovered during the initial arrest and the casings found at the scene. As a result of this analysis, the additional charges of unlawful use of a weapon and criminal mischief are being filed against Alexander Salgado-Maya. 

 

The collaboration and investigative efforts, from patrol officer response to the investigative follow-up and the precision of the analysis, underscore the Salem Police Department’s ongoing commitment to our Community Violence Reduction Initiative.  

 

Salgado-Maya remains in custody at the Marion County Jail. All further media inquiries should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. 

 

 

Original Release October 20, 2025

Salem, Ore. — Patrol officers responded to the 4000 block of Commercial St SE at 03:40 a.m. on Monday October 20, 2025, after receiving reports of gun shots in the area. As officers arrived, they contacted two males. One suspect produced a firearm, leading to a physical struggle as officers took both of them into custody. 

 

Officers identified the suspects as Christopher Alan Stone,19 and Alexander Salgado-Maya, 22 both from Salem. Stone and Salgado-Maya were transported to the Marion County Jail on charges including unlawful possession of a weapon, resisting arrest and other firearms related charges. Additionally, Salgado-Maya had two felony arrest warrants for burglary and theft. 

 

Salgado-Maya is scheduled to be arraigned today October 20, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. Stone is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday October 21, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. Both appearances will be at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex 4000 Aumsville Hwy SE, Salem. 

 

With both suspects in custody, all further media inquiries will be handled by the Marion County District Attorney’s Office. 

 

 

                                                                                         ### 

Attached Media Files: SMP-2-SMP25091132.png, SMP25091132-3.png,

From The Streets To Sentencing: Collaboration And Commitment Take Deadly Drugs Off The Street - 10/17/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

DATE: October 17, 2025 

CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net 

 

From the Streets to Sentencing: Collaboration and Commitment Take Deadly Drugs Off the Street

 

Salem, Ore. — The Salem Police Department extends its appreciation to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerin in Portland for their persistence and excellent work in securing a federal prison sentence for a man arrested by Salem Police in a 2021 narcotics investigation. 

On October 16, 2025, Nicolas Pena Galvan, 26, of Portland, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. 

Galvan was arrested on June 21, 2021, by members of the Salem Police Department’s Strategic Investigations Unit in connection with an ongoing narcotics investigation. At the time of his arrest, detectives located approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills, a loaded stolen handgun, and $340 in cash. 

The Salem Police Department greatly values its federal partnerships when working on cases such as this. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerin praised the Salem detectives, stating their thorough investigative work was instrumental in securing the conviction. 

### 

From The Streets To Sentencing: Collaboration And Commitment Take Deadly Drugs Off The Street - 10/17/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

DATE: October 17, 2025 

CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net 

 

From the Streets to Sentencing: Collaboration and Commitment Take Deadly Drugs Off the Street

 

Salem, Ore. — The Salem Police Department extends its appreciation to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerin in Portland for their persistence and excellent work in securing a federal prison sentence for a man arrested by Salem Police in a 2021 narcotics investigation. 

On October 16, 2025, Nicolas Pena Galvan, 26, of Portland, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. 

Galvan was arrested on June 21, 2021, by members of the Salem Police Department’s Strategic Investigations Unit in connection with an ongoing narcotics investigation. At the time of his arrest, detectives located approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills, a loaded stolen handgun, and $340 in cash. 

The Salem Police Department greatly values its federal partnerships when working on cases such as this. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerin praised the Salem detectives, stating their thorough investigative work was instrumental in securing the conviction. 

###