Salem Police Believe Shooting Outside PetsMart was Gang Related
Police said the victim was a former gang member, and may have encountered former associates, who fired multiple shots at the vehicle he was in.
(SALEM, Ore. ) — Salem Police tell Salem News Journal that the shooting that occurred in the parking lot of a Salem PetsMart on Lancaster Drive Monday night was gang related.
Salem Police Lt. Steve Birr told Salem News Journal while more information will be released on Thursday, police as of Wednesday night have detained suspects in connection with the shooting.
Birr said the victim was a former gang member, and may have encountered former associates, who fired multiple shots at the vehicle he was in.
The driver, sped off on Lancaster Drive NE southbound towards Salem Hospital while talking to 9-1-1 dispatchers who got them to stop at the Fred Meyer store at Lancaster Drive and Market Street NE until medics arrived, as Salem News Journal first reported.
The victim, who was shot in the back, is expected to recover, is in good condition, and is cooperating with police in their investigation, Birr said.
Police have yet to recover the gun used in the incident.
One person who heard the gunfire said he saw as many as seven 9mm shell casing on the ground and one scooter taped off by police.
Birr declined to comment as to how many suspects are currently being detained by police, or the victims name until Thursday.
Birr did say that the victim was a former Salem gang member who left that culture to better his life.
Salem News Journal will have more on this story as soon as it becomes available.
Video from the scene by Salem News Journal photographer Jerry Freeman:
Beaverton Teen Arrested in Salem PetsMart Gang Related Shooting
