Photo of Armed Robbery Suspect Released

Donald Ward faces charges stemming from four armed robberies in Keizer and Salem that left residents weary.

Donald Ward Photo: Keizer Police

(Keizer) - Police have released the photo of a man arrested in to a string of armed robberies that began last December. Two of the armed robberies happened at the Keizer Walgreen`s store on River Road North, leaving clerks shaken but unharmed. One incident occurred at the Salem Walgreen`s on Lancaster Drive, and one robbery scene was a Blockbuster Video store, also on River Road North in Keizer.

Salem Police also played a part in the investigation. They became involved after the robbery of the Salem Walgreen`s December 25th.

The man Keizer Police arrested, 47-year old Donald Charles Ward Jr., was identified during the course of the follow-up investigations and taken into custody Saturday without incident.

Keizer Police Lt. Jeff Kuhns says Donald Ward is a convicted felon who was released from the custody of the Oregon Department of Corrections in July of 2005 after apparently serving the majority of his time in prison in Arizona. Kuhns says Ward has an extensive criminal history, including robbery, which dates back several years.

Ward remains in custody on four counts of First Degree Robbery, four counts Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and four counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. These crimes have a total bail amount of $220,000. Keizer Police say additional charges may be forthcoming.