Man Arrested in Connection with Burglary of Deputy's Salem Home

Vargas is the second of two men wanted in connection with these crimes. His accomplice, William Farris was captured on Monday, May 7th.

Martin Vargas Photo: Marion County Sheriff

(SALEM) - Police have been on the lookout for Martin Vargas, a suspect wanted in connection with an April 11th burglary of a Reserve Deputy's home.

Around 1:30 PM this afternoon, Vargas was taken into custody by Street Crimes Detectives from the Marion County Sheriff's Office, along with members of the Keizer Police Street Crimes Unit.

Vargas is the second of two men wanted in connection with these crimes. His accomplice, William Farris was captured on Monday, May 7th.

Sheriff's Office Spokesman Kevin Rau says Vargas is also a suspect in an April 22nd incident, which involved a deputy being hit by a car that Mr. Vargas was in at the time.

This afternoon he was spotted by deputies in a silver Chevrolet Malibu sedan in Salem, near Lancaster Dr NE and Ward Dr NE.

After following it for a short time, the deputies attempted to do a traffic stop on it. Rau says Vargas did not stop the car and a pursuit ensued. "He eventually abandoned the car and fled on foot near the Oregon State Hospital."

Deputies then called for the assistance of a Salem Police Department K9 to check out the Salem Hospital Campus.

Rau says that during the search of the area, Mrs. Rosa Ramos, Vargas' aunt, called dispatch to say that he had broken into her home at 843 Vinyard Ave NE and had hidden in a bedroom.

"When the Salem Police K9 arrived, Mr. Vargas refused instructions to surrender himself and the K9 was sent into the room. He continued to refuse to comply with instructions of the officers, was bitten by the K9 and was taken into custody. He was taken to Salem Hospital where he is being treated for dog bite puncture wounds to his stomach."

He says that once Vargas is released from the hospital, he will be lodged at the Marion County Jail on multiple charges include Felony Attempt to Elude a Police Officer and reckless driving. Charges related to the previous incidents will be forthcoming.