Salem police arrested 19-year-old Nafi Gelgelu on March 25 after wrapping up a weeks-long investigation into an armed menacing reported in West Salem. Officers were first called on Feb. 14 to the 1300 block of Parkway Drive NW, where a victim told police two men, one carrying a rifle and the other a handgun, had menaced him. Detectives later executed a search warrant and booked Gelgelu on charges of unlawful use of a weapon and menacing, and the investigation is still active.
According to a press release shared on the Salem Police Department Facebook page, detectives with the Strategic Investigations Unit served a search warrant at Gelgelu’s residence on March 25. Inside, they reported finding two AR-style rifles and a 12-gauge shotgun. The case is listed as SMP26013146, and police say Gelgelu was lodged at the Polk County Jail while detectives continue their work.
Charges and next steps
Investigators identified the suspect as Salem resident Nafi Gelgelu, age 19, and lodged him on counts of unlawful use of a weapon and menacing, according to the department. The Salem Police Communications Office notes that media releases and case updates are typically posted on the department’s social channels and FlashAlert. Per the department, questions about the ongoing case are being directed to the Polk County District Attorney’s Office.
Local policing context
In recent months, Salem detectives have repeatedly leaned on search warrants and community tips to move weapons and violence cases forward. Coverage of a late-night shooting in March shows a similar playbook at work, with investigators using leads to build their case. Police did not immediately release a court date for Gelgelu, which typically appears later in public court records and subsequent media releases.
Anyone with information about the Feb. 14 incident is asked to contact investigators or the Polk County District Attorney’s Office. The Salem Police Department Facebook post includes the case number and details on how to reach the appropriate contacts. Detectives say the investigation remains active and that they are still following up on leads.
