Salem Man Arrested on Allegations of Shooting Gun While Driving on I-5

The suspect was also cited for Refusing a Breath Test, Driving While Suspended, and Possession of less than an Ounce of Marijuana.

Photo courtesy: Marion County Sheriff's Office

(SALEM, Ore. ) - Oregon State Police troopers arrested a Salem-area man Thanksgiving evening on multiple driving and weapon charges related to allegations he fire a handgun in the direction of a woman's van while driving northbound on Interstate 5 in the Albany area.

The suspect was located by troopers on Interstate 5 in Salem after other motorists called to report a reckless driving that matched the description related to the initial incident.

At approximately 6:48 PM, a 30-year old woman, who was accompanied by her 5-month old child, reported that the white van she was driving was being followed by a black car without headlights northbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 234 when she saw the driver in the rearview mirror fire three shots in the direction of her van. The woman was unable to provide any further vehicle description or license plate information.

Within the next five minutes, two other motorists called to report a similar vehicle northbound near milepost 240 and 246 driving without headlights at speeds estimated 90 mph and faster. One of the callers was able to provide a partial license plate.

OSP Senior Trooper Peter Arnautov set up northbound at Mission Street and observed the vehicle northbound still without headlights following too close behind another vehicle.

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While following the black 2002 Volkswagen Jetta and awaiting other troopers for backup, the car took the Market Street exit so the trooper initiated a traffic stop at a nearby restaurant parking lot.

Troopers contacted driver 23-year-old Alvaro Velasco Vazquez, from Salem. During the contact the driver admitted to being in possession of two handguns under the driver and passenger seats, one of which was loaded.

He was subsequently taken into custody and lodged in the Marion County Jail on the following charges:

• Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants
• Reckless Driving
• Recklessly Endangering Another Person
• Felon in Possession of a Firearm
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
• Unlawful Use of a Firearm
• Menacing
• Probation Violation

He was also cited for Refusing a Breath Test, Driving While Suspended, and Possession of less than an Ounce of Marijuana.

During the contact the victim, who was described as very shaken and upset, stopped at the scene and was able to provide a statement to the troopers.
Source: Oregon State Police