SALEM, Ore. — A Salem man was arrested early Thursday morning after police say he fled from officers during a traffic stop, leading to a pursuit and the seizure of drugs, cash, and a firearm.
According to the Salem Police Department, the incident began around 1:51 a.m. on April 2, 2026, when officers attempted to stop a red Mercedes near the intersection of Sunnyview Road and Fisher Road NE. The driver, later identified as 25-year-old Jeremiah Boast of Salem, allegedly refused to stop and fled westbound on Sunnyview Road NE.
Officers deployed spike strips near Sunnyview Road and Fairgrounds Road NE, successfully disabling the vehicle. The car was later found at the intersection of Church Street and 5th Street NE.
Police said Boast fled on foot, while a female passenger remained at the scene. Officers used drones to search the area and eventually located Boast hiding inside a nearby bar, where he was taken into custody without further incident.
Following the arrest, investigators obtained a search warrant for the vehicle. During the search, officers reported finding approximately $3,630 in cash, 25.8 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and a firearm.
Boast was booked into the Marion County Jail on multiple charges, including fleeing or attempting to elude police, felon in possession of a weapon, and unlawful possession and delivery of methamphetamine.
The Salem Police Department said the arrest is part of its ongoing Community Violence Reduction Initiative (CVRI), which focuses on proactive policing efforts aimed at reducing violent crime and removing illegally possessed firearms from the community.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities say any further inquiries should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.
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