4 minutes

Dennis Katsnelson

Two patrol cars from different law enforcement agencies in Salem were hit by gunfire on Sunday night, less than a mile apart and within half an hour of each other. According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, one of its patrol cars was struck by gunfire around 7:40 p.m. near the intersection of Lancaster Drive Northeast and Devonshire Court Northeast. A Salem police car was then hit by at least one bullet around 8:15 p.m. while driving near Silverton Road and Fairhaven Avenue.

We took this video from KPTV FOX 12 Oregon YouTube Channel.

Thankfully, no cops or deputies were harmed in either shooting. However, investigators have not yet determined if the two shootings are connected. The man charged in the shooting at the two patrol cars in Salem on Sunday night was picked up in custody following a police shootout earlier Monday morning. The shootings have left the community on edge as the investigation continues. Salem Police Chief Jerry Moore stated that the police department is working with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies to determine who is responsible for the shootings, and to ensure the safety of the community and law enforcement officers.

The incident highlights the danger that law enforcement officers face every day while on duty. According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 295 officers were shot and killed in the line of duty between 2010 and 2019. The organization also reports that assaults against law enforcement officers have increased in recent years, making it more important than ever to support and protect those who serve and protect our communities.

As the investigation into the Salem shootings continues, law enforcement agencies are asking anybody with info about the incidents to come forward and help bring those responsible to justice.