Salem, OR. — Salem Police officers arrested Jose Antonio Sandoval-Chavez, 43, on January 25, 2026, in connection with a domestic violence robbery and assault reported the previous day at a motel on Portland Road NE.
According to the Salem Police Department, officers responded on January 24 to reports that Sandoval-Chavez assaulted his girlfriend in front of her two young children, stole her cell phone, and fled in her maroon GMC Yukon. Police said Sandoval-Chavez was believed to be armed with multiple firearms and had threatened to harm the victim and law enforcement if confronted.
On January 25, Sandoval-Chavez reportedly returned to the area but fled before officers arrived. Police established a perimeter and later located him outside an apartment on Hawthorne Avenue NE, where he was taken into custody without incident.
During the arrest, officers found Sandoval-Chavez in possession of cocaine, methamphetamine, brass knuckles, ammunition, and more than $6,000 in cash. Police said Sandoval-Chavez told officers he had swallowed several bags of fentanyl. He was transported to Salem Hospital, where he was medically cleared before being lodged at the Marion County Jail.
Detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit later executed a search warrant on the stolen Yukon. Investigators recovered seven handguns, one short-barreled shotgun, numerous rounds of ammunition, approximately 7.4 ounces of suspected fentanyl powder and pills, drug packaging materials, scales, and other firearm-related items. Property stolen from the victim and her children was also recovered.
Sandoval-Chavez was lodged on charges including third-degree robbery, fourth-degree assault (felony), menacing, first-degree theft, felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful delivery of cocaine and methamphetamine, and felon in possession of a restricted weapon. Police said additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
Sandoval-Chavez is scheduled to be arraigned at 2:30 p.m. at the Marion County Annex, 4000 Aumsville Highway. Police stated the arrest reflects ongoing efforts under the Community Violence Reduction Initiative to reduce violent crime and hold offenders accountable.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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