‘It has just gotten worse’: Salem community disturbed by recent gun violence
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Salem community members are disturbed from the recent gun violence after three separate shootings in different areas of the city unfolded within 24 hours.
The shootings this week come after a town hall with city leaders and community members was held to address gun violence a few months back.
The Salem Police Department shared a video with KOIN 6 News showing dozens of shots caught on camera. This was at a shooting at Riverfront Park on Wednesday morning just after 1 a.m. Police said that when officers arrived they found bullet holes in several nearby cars and the historic Riverfront Carousel building.
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Witnesses said two groups got into an argument when the gunfire erupted. Police later found 96 spent shell casings from various types of guns.
Salem resident Anissa Wright said she routinely walks her two dogs past the Carousel building every day.
“This is the first shooting I ever heard about at the Carousel. Children are here every day and it’s not great to hear,” she said.
Kristine Miller, of West Salem, told KOIN 6 News that while there are some areas of the city she goes to by herself, she’ll often bring her kids to parks.
A recent analysis report found shootings doubled in the last give years in Oregon’s capitol.
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“We’ve been thinking about moving out of Salem because of it,” said Elizabeth Reck. “I moved here four years ago. It has just gotten worse with the crime and homelessness.”
Adding to the violence, on Thursday morning shortly after 5 a.m., Salem police responded to a shooting on Commercial Street Northeast. Officers found a 44-year-old man shot. He was taken to the hospital and is expected to be OK. The victim told officers he got into an argument with two other men.
Hours later on Thursday, just before 2 p.m., police said a man was shot inside a convenience store on Portland Road Northeast.
“He got him on the top of his head,” said Rezq Alsareli, the AMPM store owner. “I go inside, run after the guy, I see him bleeding, I just get the shirt, take the shirt off and put my shirt on his head.”
Alsareli said he was able to apply pressure and slow the bleeding until the police came. Police said the suspect was taken into custody a few minutes later.
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“Since this happened, you never know, but it never happened before. Hopefully nothing is going to happen,” Alsareli said.
Salem residents who spoke with KOIN 6 News said they hope there will be more police patrols on the streets. Anyone with information about the recent shootings at Riverfront Park or Portland Road Northeast is encouraged to contact police.
The Community Violence Reduction Initiative will have a listening session on Wednesday, July 31 from 6 p.m.
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