A late-night home invasion in northeast Salem turned into a highway pursuit that ended near Tualatin, with a 30-year-old suspect in custody and a handgun seized, according to Salem police.
Investigators say it all started at an apartment in the 4100 block of Market Street NE, where two alleged intruders forced their way inside, pointed guns, threatened residents, and took off with stolen property. A vehicle believed to be tied to the crime was later spotted in a WinCo parking lot, setting the stage for a lengthy follow-up.
Police Say Two Armed Intruders Stormed Market Street Apartment
According to a media release from the Salem Police Department, officers were called around 1:20 a.m. on Jan. 26 to the apartment on Market Street NE. The report states that two people armed with handguns pushed their way inside, threatened the occupants and fled with stolen items.
Detectives quickly began working leads and linked a specific vehicle to the armed home invasion, police said.
WinCo Sighting Leads To I-5 Pursuit Toward Tualatin
Later that night, officers spotted the suspect vehicle leaving the WinCo Foods parking lot near Lancaster Drive and Rickey Street SE around 11:51 p.m. and followed it north onto Interstate 5, FOX 12 Oregon reported.
Police attempted to use spike strips as the chase continued north. With help from the Oregon State Police and Clackamas County deputies, the vehicle was eventually brought to a stop near Tualatin, and the driver was taken into custody without further incident.
Handgun Recovered From Floorboard, Suspect Faces Felony Charges
Officers said they could see a handgun on the driver's side floorboard after the stop. Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit obtained a search warrant and seized the firearm, according to the Salem Police Department release.
Authorities identified the driver as 30-year-old Jonathon Sanchez of Salem. He was booked into the Marion County Jail on charges that include first-degree robbery, second-degree assault, first-degree burglary, unlawful use of a weapon, and menacing. Police added that Sanchez is scheduled for arraignment yesterday afternoon at the Marion County Court Annex at 4000 Aumsville Highway.
Multi-Agency Stop, Ongoing Investigation
Salem police credited Oregon State Police and Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office deputies assigned to Wilsonville for their role in deploying spike strips and bringing the pursuit to a controlled end, FOX 12 Oregon reported.
The case remains under active investigation, and Salem police are asking anyone with information about the home invasion or the suspect vehicle to contact the department.
