Two men wounded in Salem drive-by shooting

Marion County sheriff’s detectives worked through the night unraveling leads following a drive-by shooting that occurred in Salem early Saturday morning.

The first 911 calls were received at about 12:30am. Callers reported that someone had driven by a party in the 1000 block of Arabian Avenue NE and fired several shots into the crowd of party-goers.

Patrol deputies were responding to the address when they spotted a 1990 Honda Civic that had several bullet holes in it. The Honda was stopped on a nearby street with the lights on and engine running.

Deputies said 26-year old David Chavez Jr. was inside the car, suffering from gunshot wounds. Medics were immediately called. Chavez was transported to the Salem Hospital, where he was being treated for life-threatening injuries.

While deputies were following up at the hospital, a second victim from the scene arrived at the emergency room. Deputies said 26-year old Robert A. Apodaca transported himself to the hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound.

The preliminary investigation indicates that a party was being held at the address on Arabian Avenue NE. Many of those in attendance were gathered outside and some were sitting in their cars when a car drove by.

Deputies said the occupants of the car fired numerous shots at the house, striking the Honda and both Chavez and Apodaca. Stray bullets also hit two nearby residences.

Indications are that at least one of the party attendees fired a weapon back at the suspects and may have struck the car and/or its occupants, they said.

The suspect vehicle is described as a four-door white or light-colored Malibu-type car. It may have bullet holes in it. Witnesses were unable to provide descriptions of the suspects in the car.

Deputies said no information was yet available on the total number of shots fired, or the weapons used. As both victims are still being treated, they said they have no information on their conditions or the wounds they suffered.

The 911 tapes are being reviewed and will not be released at this time.

Detectives are interviewing witnesses and also serving search warrants on the Honda and the houses involved to obtain evidence. The case remains open as an active investigation, so no further details from the scene are available.

Should the public see a four door white or light colored Chevy Malibu type car with bullet hole(s) in it or know anything about this shooting, they are asked to contact the Marion County Sheriff’s Office 24 hour number at (503) 588-5032. You may remain anonymous.

You may also email the detectives at Dwhite@co.marion.or.us or Tburwell@co.marion.or.us.