Attempted Murder and Arson Charges Stem From Attack at Peoples Church

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Detective Mike Myers at 503-540-8007.

(SALEM ) - Investigators from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and the Marion County Homicide/Assault Response Team are still on the scene of an apparent arson fire that happened around 7:30 PM Wednesday at the People's Church in Salem.

The suspect who was quicly taken into custody has been identified as 53-year old Kam Shing Chan, aka Daniel Chan. He has been charged in relation to last night's apparently intentional church congregation fire.

Marion County Prosecutor Darrin Tweedt says Chan is a resident of Salem. He was arrested on charges of Attempted Aggravated Murder, Attempted Assault in the First Degree, Arson in the First Degree and Reckless Burning. Church members say one of their pastors tackled the man and prevented him from rendering further harm.

At least two people were treated for injuries from the fire. A cab driver was also injured when the suspect put a knife to his throat and demanded that he be driven to the People's Church on Lancaster Drive NE.

Chan will appear in Marion County Circuit Court at 8:30 AM on Friday, October 27th. This appearance will be at the Marion County Court Annex located at 4000 Aumsville Highway, Salem.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Detective Mike Myers at 503-540-8007.

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Comments Leave a comment on this story.

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Garry November 29, 2006 9:36 am (Pacific time)

Ok, now I want to know how many other people are out wandering around Salem just like Chan. Thanks Psychiatric Security Review Board! What do you have to say for yourself? I would imagine...No Comment huh?

The Editor October 27, 2006 11:49 am (Pacific time)

Christine, I know that in the state of Nevada, assaulting a cab driver is the same as assaulting a police officer, it is a huge violation. We also are extremely curious as to how he could have served such a short sentence. Regarding your brother-in-law, please send an email to newsroom@salem-news.com so that we can be in touch, and we will follow up on that for you.

Christine Smith October 27, 2006 11:07 am (Pacific time)

I want more information on the cab driver due to him being my brother an law and what injurys and mental effect this will have on not only the cab driver but his family too. If this guy was already been declared criminally insane why was he let out he killed his own daughter who to say if hes going to go after my brother an law when released again. He need to be put away for ever for all are potection. Christine Smith

mr. Richards October 27, 2006 10:56 am (Pacific time)

I think we should review the Psych scurity board.they are responsible for this. once again, a legal system being to lenient placed citizens at risk.

Matt Johnson October 27, 2006 1:00 am (Pacific time)

I'm very sorry for the people of this church, what a sad thing for a person to do, I'm glad he is in custody.

Mike M October 26, 2006 4:18 pm (Pacific time)

Chan, during a day-long crime spree in December of 1989 in southeast Portland, drowned his 5-year-old daughter in a bathtub, kidnapped a neighbor at knife-point and robbed a store where he had been working for a month. He told psychiatrists he was acting under God's orders. Chan was found mentally unfit to stand trial, was declared criminally insane and was then committed to the state mental hospital. He was released in 1995 and placed under the watch of the Psychiatric Security Review Board for life. He has been living in the Salem area since then.

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