Police Pursuit Leads to Arrest of Armed Robbery Suspect and Gun Seizure

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: January 27, 2026
CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | [email protected]

SALEM, Ore. - On January 27, 2026, Jonathon Sanchez, 30, of Salem, was arrested following a pursuit
that stemmed from an armed robbery incident that occurred on January 26, 2026.

At approximately 1:20 a.m. on January 26, officers responded to a report of an armed robbery at an
apartment located in the 4100 block of Market Street NE. Two suspects, armed with handguns, forced their
way into an apartment and threatened the residents. The suspects demanded and took property before
fleeing the scene.

Later that evening, at approximately 11:51 p.m., officers located the Sanchez's vehicle leaving the Winco
parking lot near Lancaster Drive and Rickey Street SE. As officers followed the vehicle, they attempted to set
up spike strips while the vehicle traveled northbound on I-5. The vehicle eluded the officers, prompting a
pursuit. Assistance was requested from Clackamas County and OSP, who successfully deployed spike strips
and other pursuit intervention techniques, bringing the pursuit to a stop near Tualatin.

Sanchez was taken into custody without incident, and a handgun was observed on the driver's floorboard.
Violent Crimes Unit detectives responded and obtained a warrant to search the vehicle and seize the gun.

Sanchez was lodged at Marion County Jail for multiple charges, including Robbery in the First Degree,
Assault in the Second Degree, Burglary in the First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and Menacing. He is
scheduled to be arraigned at 2:30 p.m. today at the Marion County Court Annex at 4000 Aumsville Highway.

The Salem Police Department would like to thank the Oregon State Police and the Clackamas County
Sheriff's Office for their assistance. The investigation is ongoing, and further inquiries should be directed to
the Marion County District Attorney's Office.

###