FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

DATE:  February 6, 2023

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

One arrested in two separate attempted carjacking incidents

Salem, Ore. — Salem Police patrol officers today arrested a man involved in two separate incidents of assault and unlawful entry into a car.

At approximately 12:30 a.m., patrol officers responded to the report of a stabbing that occurred in the parking lot of the Mega Foods Store located at 3695 Devonshire AV NE. A person parked in the lot was approached by a man who opened the driver’s door and began stabbing the driver repeatedly. The driver fought back and was ultimately able to start his car and leave the area to get assistance. The victim, who received non-life-threatening injuries, was able to provide officers with a description of the suspect.

Then, just before 2:00 a.m., patrol officers were called to the parking lot of the Walmart Superstore at 3025 Lancaster DR NE on the report of a man attempting to enter a vehicle. The owners of the car were parked at an electric charging station in the store’s lot when the incident occurred. They immediately called police. While officers were on the scene speaking with the victims, one officer noted a man nearby who fit the description of the suspect in both incidents.

The suspect, Roberto Carlos Chacon, initially gave false information about his identity but was subsequently arrested without incident. The 34-year-old Chacon was also in possession of a knife when officers took him into custody.

Chacon is currently lodged at the Marion County Jail on second-degree assault, two counts of unlawful entry into a vehicle, and other related charges.

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