A reported hostage situation in Salem ended with a suspect hospitalized after deputies opened fire during an early morning confrontation, authorities said.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 7 a.m. to the 4700 block of State Street near Cordon Road Southeast following two emergency calls. In the second call, a person claimed they were being held hostage inside a bathroom before the line was disconnected.
When deputies arrived, they encountered Juan Carlos Gomez-Valles, 39, who was reportedly armed with two knives. Officials said an altercation occurred, during which at least one deputy fired a shot, striking the suspect.
Deputies provided first aid before Gomez-Valles was taken to a nearby hospital. Authorities say he is expected to recover and is currently in custody on a parole violation. He was already on parole at the time of the incident.
The sheriff’s office identified the deputies involved as Alan Jefferson and Tyson Gardner, both of whom are relatively new recruits. Neither officer was injured during the encounter.
As required in use-of-force cases, the investigation has been handed over to the Oregon State Police, with assistance from local departments. Further updates are expected from the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.
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