Salem Man Holds Wife at Gunpoint Overnight; Meth Use Could Be to Blame

Deputies arrested the suspect while in possession of meth, paraphernalia, and .22 caliber handgun.

29-year-old Alvaro Esquivel-Quiroz. Photo Courtesy: Marion County Sheriff's Office.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Marion County Sheriff's Deputies have arrested a Salem man who allegedly held his wife of nine years at gunpoint through the night.

Sergeant Chris Baldridge says on Tuesday, deputies went to a home located on 47th Ave SE in Salem. During the investigation, the wife said after the suspect came home from work, accused the victim of conspiring with neighbors and installing listening devices in the walls of the home. The suspect, 29-year-old Alvaro Esquivel-Quiroz the allegedly pulled out a .22 caliber handgun and put it to the head of the victim, and assaulted and menaced her with the handgun through the night until he finally fell asleep. The victim was able to report the crime to the police after Esquivel-Quiroz went to work on Wednesday morning.

When deputies contacted and arrested Esquivel-Quiroz they found him in possession of methamphetamine, methamphetamine paraphernalia, and .22 caliber ammunition. A search of the home later turned up the firearm which, had been previously reported stolen in 2010. Deputies believe methamphetamine played a role in Mr. Esquivel-Quiroz's erratic behavior and delusions.

Esquivel-Quiroz is currently at the Marion County Jail where he is charged with Assault II, Coercion, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Possession of Methamphetamine, Menacing, Interfering with Making a Report, Theft I and Reckless Endangering.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, an estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year and most cases of domestic violence are never reported to police. If you have been the victim of domestic violence please call 911, the Sheriff's Office and its community partners have numerous resources to assist you.

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