Salem, Oregon – A Salem man is facing multiple felony charges after a woman was seriously injured during an armed robbery in a Costco parking lot on Friday afternoon. Police say the incident unfolded in broad daylight and prompted a multi-agency response, school lockdowns, and a K-9 search before the suspect was taken into custody.
Incident Overview
According to the Salem Police Department, officers were dispatched just after 12:00 p.m. Friday to the Costco on 27th Avenue Southeast after reports of an assault and robbery in the parking lot. When officers arrived, they found a woman suffering from visible head injuries and bleeding.
Police said the victim had been shopping at Costco and was returning her cart after loading groceries into her vehicle when the attack occurred.
Timeline of Events
Authorities say the suspect approached the woman from behind while she was in the parking lot. The man was allegedly armed with what appeared to be a handgun and struck the woman on the head before stealing her fanny pack.
Witnesses nearby attempted to intervene, but police say the suspect fled the scene in a Toyota Corolla, leaving the woman injured on the ground.
Emergency medical personnel transported the victim to a local hospital, where she was treated for serious injuries to her face and head.
Details From Police and Officials
Shortly after the suspect fled, Oregon State Police (OSP) located the suspect vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. Police say the driver refused to stop, leading to a brief pursuit.
The car was later found abandoned near Portland Road Northeast and Silverton Road Northeast, triggering a large search operation in the surrounding area.
As a precaution, Highland Elementary School and St. Vincent School were placed on temporary lockdown while officers conducted a search using police dogs.
During the search, officers recovered what initially appeared to be a firearm. Police later confirmed the weapon was a realistic-looking pellet gun, not a handgun.
Suspect Arrest and Charges
Police say a man matching the suspect’s description was later spotted walking away from the area where the vehicle had been abandoned. Officers arrested him without incident.
The suspect was identified as 45-year-old Jorge Reyes-Suarez, a resident of Salem. He was lodged at the Marion County Jail.
Reyes-Suarez faces the following charges:
- First-degree robbery
- First-degree assault
- Felony attempt to elude, filed by Oregon State Police
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be considered as the case progresses.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Suspect: Jorge Reyes-Suarez, 45, of Salem
- Victim: Adult woman (name not released)
- Location: Costco parking lot, 27th Avenue Southeast, Salem
- Time: Just after 12:00 p.m. Friday
- Weapon: Pellet gun designed to resemble a handgun
- Vehicle: Toyota Corolla
- Charges: First-degree robbery, first-degree assault, felony attempt to elude
- Schools Affected: Highland Elementary, St. Vincent School
Additional Context on Public Safety
Police continue to urge shoppers to remain alert in busy parking lots, especially when loading vehicles or returning carts. Authorities recommend keeping personal belongings secured, scanning surroundings, and reporting suspicious behavior immediately.
Parking lot robberies, while relatively rare, often occur quickly and without warning, making situational awareness a critical safety measure.
Conclusion
Friday’s incident highlights how quickly routine errands can turn dangerous and underscores the importance of rapid response by law enforcement. The suspect is now in custody, and the victim continues to recover from serious injuries as the investigation moves forward.
Anyone with additional information related to the case is encouraged to contact local authorities. Share your experiences in the comments below.
