Suspected kidnapper shot by Salem officers early Friday morning identified: Oregon State Police

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — A suspected kidnapper was hospitalized after being shot by an officer early Friday morning in Salem, authorities said.

The suspect was identified as 34-year-old Daniel Lewis Garcia, Oregon State Police said.

According to Salem police, officers responded at around 4:30 a.m. to a call from a woman who said she was being kidnapped.

Officers said they found the suspect’s vehicle with the woman inside and attempted to stop the driver, who pulled into the parking lot of an apartment on Glen Creek Road NW.

As officers approached the vehicle, authorities said the woman got out of the car and the suspect followed, wielding a knife.

As soon as the suspect exited the car, he was shot by two responding officers, authorities said.

The involved Salem Police Department officers were identified as Officer Nathan Bush, Officer Colten Ruyle and Officer Faith Hovenden, OSP said.

The suspect was treated at the scene and officials said he was taken to a nearby hospital. It’s unknown how badly the suspect was injured.

No officers were injured during the incident.

Residents at the complex told KOIN 6 News they woke up to pops of gunfire.

“I just think it’s crazy that this happened so close to where I live,” said a neighbor named Lucas.

“Scary. I don’t even walk down here in the dark anymore, it’s too scary. They say it’s too scary for a female to walk down here alone,” said another neighbor, Jolene.

The neighbors both said they thought it was necessary for the police to open fire since the suspect had a knife.

OSP’s investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

The shooting marks the first Salem police officer-involved shooting this year. Last year, there were four, and two were fatal. In 2022, there were also four officer-involved shootings in Salem, and three were fatal. In 2021, three officer-involved shootings happened in Salem, and two were fatal.

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