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Published on January 24, 2025
Salem Suspect Fatally Shot by Police Officers During Apartment Complex ConfrontationSource: Oregon State Police

An investigation is underway by the Oregon State Police following an officer-involved shooting that left 42-year-old Shawn Lee Baker dead. The incident occurred in Marion County on January 22, at around 11:30 a.m.

According to reports, Salem Police officers were in pursuit of Baker, a wanted suspect, when he made a beeline into an apartment complex and towards a residential unit on the 3200 block of River Road North. Armed with a firearm, Baker was subsequently engaged by Officers Chad Galusha and John Diaz. During the confrontation, fleeing into the apartment complex, Baker was shot.

The aftermath of the shooting was swift, with additional police from both the Salem and Keizer Police Departments arriving to assist. Attempts to administer lifesaving operations were unsuccessful, resulting in Baker's death at the scene. Neither Galusha nor Diaz, veterans to the force with 16 and 23 years respectively, sustained any injuries from the encounter. Both officers are now on administrative leave, in line with standard practice following such events.

As part of the Marion County Law Enforcement Officer Deadly Use of Force Plan — mandated by Senate Bill 111 — a comprehensive investigation is being conducted. The Oregon State Police is leading this investigation, in close coordination with the Marion County District Attorney's Office. Assisting them, the Keizer Police Department and Marion County Sheriff's Office are contributing to the in-depth inquiry. With the investigation still ongoing, the public waits for any additional information, to be released by the Marion County District Attorney's Office upon its conclusion.