On August 29, at around 4:30 p.m., Salem law enforcement officers responded to a report of a person injured near the intersection of Silverton Road and Hawthorne Ave.
Salem Police (SPD) Officers arrived at the scene to find a 16-year-old male juvenile who had sustained a gunshot wound. Another victim, a 15-year-old boy, was discovered a few blocks away suffering from a gunshot wound as well.
The Salem Police Violent Crimes Unit was mobilized to lead the investigation into this violent occurrence. Preliminary findings indicate that the incident originated from a physical altercation involving several teenagers at a local bus stop. The altercation escalated, culminating in the 15-year-old juvenile producing a handgun and discharging it during the confrontation. This resulted in the injury of the 16-year-old victim.
Forensics experts collected evidence from the scene, aiding in the ongoing investigation. A comprehensive search of the area with the assistance of a K-9 unit led to the recovery of the firearm involved in the altercation.
Both injured teenagers were transported to Salem Health for medical treatment. Thankfully, the 15-year-old victim was treated and discharged from the hospital. However, he was taken into custody due to his involvement in the incident. The teen has been lodged at the Marion County Juvenile Department on charges including assault in the first degree, unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm, and riot.
Regrettably, the 16-year-old victim remains under medical care as his recovery continues.
To uphold the privacy and protection of the minors involved, their names have not been disclosed in accordance with the Salem Police Department’s policy concerning criminal investigations involving juveniles.
As the investigation progresses, the Salem Police Department is refraining from disclosing further details at this time. The community is urged to cooperate and provide any relevant information to aid in this ongoing investigation.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Source: SPD
