This story was updated at 3:40 p.m.
Salem Police have confirmed a man suspected of shooting a woman in Salem on Tuesday morning and then fleeing on Oregon Highway 22 toward Detroit has died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police said they responded at 10:40 a.m. to calls of a shooting in the 1300 block of Vista Ave. SE. Police said a man drove his truck into a residence, shot a woman inside the home then fled the scene.
The victim was taken to Salem Health with critical injuries, according to police. Police scanner traffic indicated the victim was shot in the legs.
Police said officers also learned of a possible threat to the victim’s children, who attend Morningside Elementary School nearby. The school was temporarily put on lockdown, which was lifted just before 12:30 p.m. Morningside sent a message to families confirming the presence of “many emergency vehicles” and law enforcement near the school but said, “at no time was there any danger inside our school.”
The suspect was located traveling eastbound on Highway 22 east at approximately 11:15 a.m., police said. The highway was shut down in both directions about 2 miles west of Detroit at mileposts 47 and 49. Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped the suspect’s vehicle just outside city limits of Detroit, approached and learned the suspect was dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the release.
Law enforcement partially reopened Oregon Route 22 later in the afternoon.
As of 3 p.m., the westbound lane had been opened while eastbound lanes remained closed.
Police had asked drivers to use Oregon Route 20 or delay travel.
Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter @DianneLugo.
Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.
