SWAT unable to locate shooting suspect in SE Salem
Updated at 4:40 p.m. on Friday:
Brenda Noland has lived in the affected area for 15 years.
She was headed home and heard from friends and family that the area was in lockdown. She had spoken with an officer about a shooting suspect in the area.
Once her kids were in a safe place, she locked all of her doors and stayed inside with the lights on so it was clear that someone was home.
Noland said the area is known for being a safe and family-friendly.
“I am proud to raise my kids here,” she said. She said that she heard about something similar happening seven to nine years before, but that the recent activity is very rare.
There were police everywhere, she said, and officers were telling people to stay inside if they were home and not to come home if they weren’t.
The Salem Police Department tweeted when the lockdown was over, though the investigation continued.
Noland said they were told to still be on high alert.
She said there is no official neighborhood council, though she is part of http://www.Nextdoor.com, a private, social network for individual neighborhoods.
She said this might prompt a neighborhood watch, but didn’t know of any being started.
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Updated at 10:32 a.m on Friday:
The Salem Police Department has not located the shooter, but continue with their investigation.
They ended the search Thursday night after thoroughly searching the area, but have since continued to follow leads and work with the victim to locate the shooter, said Lt. David Okada.
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A male shooting suspect eluded police in the area of Sunnyside Road SE and Valleywood Drive SE on Thursday evening.
The shooting occurred when a 64-year-old man came into his home Thursday afternoon and found a burglar there. They exchanged gunfire. The homeowner, whom police have not identified, was injured and sent to Salem Hospital after being grazed by gunfire. The injury was non-life threatening, and the victim has been released, police said.
The suspect then fled on foot, heading southbound on Sunnyside Road SE.
Two K-9 teams and a SWAT team were on the scene conducting a search for the suspect. They focused on a creek the dogs led them to, but were unable to find the suspect. Marion County Sheriff’s deputies and Oregon State Police troopers were also on the scene, according to Salem police officer Steve Mayberry.
Officers were seen with assault rifles drawn as they searched the area. A tactical drone was also performing surveillance.
Sumpter Elementary School was on lockdown around 3 p.m. as a precaution. School bus service was canceled. Children were released to their parents or approved emergency contacts, who were required to show ID at the school, Salem-Keizer School District officials said. The school notified parents with an auto-dial message.
Streets in the area were opened by 6:30 p.m.
Police said the suspect is approximately 25 to 30 years old, has a dark complexion, short dark hair, dark colored eyes and no facial hair. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Salem Police Department.
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Natalie Pate 