Salem Man Flees Authorities in Stolen Vehicle

Police found a loaded gun, and crystal methamphetamine inside the car.

Salem-News.com

(KEIZER) - Friday morning at 12:28 AM, Officer Olafson of the Keizer Police Department observed a suspicious vehicle driving in the neighborhoods in North Keizer.

Officer Olafson initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle for a traffic infraction and attempted to make contact with the driver.

As the officer approached the vehicle, the vehicle sped off and a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued north of the city and came to an end on Quinaby Road at 99E, where the driver of the vehicle jumped out and fled on foot.

The Salem Police Department, The Marion County Sheriffs Office and The Oregon State Police, responded to assist and subsequently the Salem Police’s K9 found the suspect hiding in a barn.

It was determined that the vehicle had been reported stolen to the Salem Police Department, the plates on the vehicle were reported stolen to the Keizer Police Department, inside the vehicle officers found a loaded handgun and the suspect was in possession of crystal methamphetamine.

The suspect, 22-year-old Martin Paul Vargas, from Salem, was transported to the Marion County Correctional Facility, where he was lodged on the following charges.

• Possession of Methamphetamine, bail $10,000.
• Possession of a Stolen vehicle, bail $10,000.
• Reckless Driving, bail $5,000.
• Felon in Possession of a Firearm, bail $10,000.
• Criminal Mischief in the second degree, bail $5,000.
• Criminal Trespass in the second degree, bail $1,000.
• Possession of a Burglary/Theft Device, bail $5,000.
• Attempt to Elude a Police Officer Felony, bail $10,000.
• Attempt to Elude a Police Officer Misd, bail $5,000.
• Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, bail $10,000.
• Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle, bail $5,000.
• Theft by Receiving, bail $1000.00