SALEM, Ore. (Oct. 11, 2026) — A 16-year-old was arrested Thursday afternoon after police received a report of an assault involving a handgun in southeast Salem, according to the Salem Police Department.
Officers responded to the area of Church Street SE and Bellevue Street SE at approximately 2:34 p.m. on Oct. 8 after receiving a report that a male had pulled a black handgun from a satchel and struck another person in the head with it.
Police located a male matching the suspect’s description nearby. When officers attempted to contact him, he fled on foot, prompting a pursuit.
Officers eventually took the juvenile into custody near Pringle Creek with assistance from Salem Police K-9 Andor.
Investigators located a satchel nearby, and detectives with the department’s Strategic Investigations Unit responded to assist with the investigation. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the satchel and subsequently discovered a handgun inside.
The 16-year-old was lodged at Marion County Juvenile on multiple charges, including unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon, interfering with a police officer and third-degree escape.
According to police, the charges stem from activity officers observed following the initial reported assault.
As of the latest update, authorities had not identified the victim of the reported assault.
Police have not released additional information about the circumstances surrounding the initial incident.
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