Gunman Opens Fire During Salem Bar Robbery (VIDEO)

The suspect is a dark complected hispanic or black male, possibly in his 20's, 6 feet, 150 to 170, wearing a light mesh shirt with dark sleeves and a hood.

Deputies investigating the shooting and robbery at The Point After bar on Portland Road NE in Salem. Photo and video by Jerry Freeman Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - Deputies responded to the report of an armed robbery at The Point After bar on Portland Road NE in Salem Tuesday afternoon at 4:10 p.m.

Lt. Sheila Lorance with the Marion County Sheriff's Office, says a deputy was around the corner from the establishment, but the suspect managed to flee the area westbound before the deputy's arrival.

"With the help of Salem Police and several K-9 units, deputies attempted to track the suspect who was last seen running West on Blossom Ave NE. However, they were unable to locate him."

Witnesses told deputies and detectives that a male subject entered the bar, with a handgun and ordered everyone to get on the floor.

Lorance said, "He then fired 2 shots into the ceiling, threatened one of the customers, holding the gun to his head and demanded his wallet. The suspect then fired two more rounds toward the bar and demanded money from the cash register."

One of the rounds went in the direction of the bartender and the other into the mirror behind the bar. Fortunately no one was injured, and the suspect left with an undisclosed amount of cash according to Lorance.

"There were 8 to 10 people in the bar at the time of the robbery and after the suspect left, one of the customers followed him West on Blossom Ave for about 1/4 mile until he lost sight of him."

She says the suspect is described as a dark complected hispanic or black male, younger, possibly in his 20's, 6'0, 150 to 170, wearing a light mesh shirt with dark sleeves and a hood.

He was wearing a baseball cap, with a mask over his face. If you have any information regarding the suspect or robbery, please call Marion County detectives at 503 540-8007.

Jerry Freeman is part of a new generation of dedicated news photographers who are entering the Internet news industry as a second career. He shares in common with many people the dream of becoming a visual journalist. Joining the Navy at an early age, and the Oregon Army Guard a few years later, Jerry has a wide range of life experiences. He describes himself as “an old truck driver with a new found passion to bear witness on the world’s events.” Teaming up with Salem-News.com he embarks on a new career as a video news photographer and reporter. Stay tuned, and see how it turns out. Jerry seems to exhibit natural talent and is already becoming a published member of the Salem-News.com team. You can send Jerry Freeman an email at this address: Salem-News@gravityshadow.com