FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE:  January 20, 2024

CONTACT:     Salem Police Communications Office | spdmedia@cityofsalem.net

Update 01/31/2024 | 10:30 a.m.

The public’s help is requested in this ongoing traffic investigation. Salem Police Traffic Team investigators are searching for any potential witnesses to the incident which occurred on January 11 at approximately 8:30 p.m. in the area of Portland RD and Northgate AV NE.

Along with multiple vehicles that passed through the area, police would like to speak with a pedestrian and bicycle rider, each seen passing nearby at separate times.

The pedestrian was walking northbound on the east side of Portland RD near Carleton WY. The pedestrian is possibly a male adult wearing a shirt or jacket with the hood up and carrying a bag or wearing a backpack.

The bicycle rider traveled northbound on the sidewalk on the east side of Portland RD.  The rider is possibly an adult man riding a full-size bicycle with front and rear fenders, a bright headlight, and carrying a yellow or light-colored sack. 

Anyone who was a witness to the incident, or who may have information, is urged to contact the Salem Police Tips Line at 503-588-8477.

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Bicyclist dies from injuries

Update 01/20/2024 | 3:30 p.m.

Mr. Barron, the bicycle rider who was found unconscious on January 11 on a sidewalk in northeast Salem, has died. Mr. Barron was transported to Salem Health that Thursday night where he remained until he passed away this morning.

Mr. Barron’s family was successfully located prior to his passing.

The Traffic Team investigation into the circumstances of this incident continues, and no further information is available at this time.

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Originally published 01/13/2024 | 2:00 p.m.

Salem, Ore. — The Salem Police Traffic Team is asking for the public’s help in locating the family of a man injured in a bicycle crash.

On January 11 at approximately 9:00 p.m., patrol officers responded to the 3600 block of Portland RD NE on the call of a man lying on the sidewalk with a bicycle next to him. Officers located an unconscious man near the intersection of Portland RD and Northgate AV NE with an injury to his head.

The bicyclist, identified as Juan Martinez Barron, age 61, was transported to Salem Health where he remains in critical condition.

The Traffic Team learned Mr. Barron frequents a homeless camp in the area of Hyacinth AV and Claxter CT NE and has been seen recently riding his green and black mountain bike pulling a small utility trailer.

Efforts have been unsuccessful, however, to locate a family member in the area to notify them of Mr. Barron’s accident and life-threatening medical status.

Investigators now turn to the public for assistance with any information that would help contact a family member. If you know Mr. Barron’s family or have a way to contact them, please call the Salem Police Tips Line at 503-588-8477.

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