News Release from Marion Co. Sheriff's Office
Posted on FlashAlert: December 20th, 2016 5:33 PM
On December 11th Deputies were called to the area of 36th Avenue near Target in Salem. A victim reported that he was following his BMW that had been stolen the prior day. Deputies located the vehicle but when they attempted to stop it the vehicle took off at a high rate of speed. Deputies terminated their pursuit and later crossed paths with the car where they were able to clearly see the driver.
Deputies identified the driver as Richard David Keith, age 24, of Salem, the suspect named in the original stolen vehicle report. Due to the manner in which Mr. Keith operated the vehicle, deputies did not pursue it any further, the vehicle was recovered later that evening behind the Dick's Sporting Goods on Lancaster.
The following day, at around 9:30 a.m., deputies were called to the area of 45th and State Street where a man and woman had been sitting in a Kia car for over an hour. When deputies arrived they immediately recognized Mr. Keith and later learned the Kia he was operating was stolen. Deputies attempted to stop Mr. Keith but again he fled the area at a high rate of speed and again deputies did not pursue him.
At about 9:00 p.m., deputies took a report of a stolen Ford truck in the 13000 block of Silver Falls Highway. After the deputies completed their report they located the stolen Kia Mr. Keith had been seen in earlier in the day nearby.
On December 13th, around 7:30 p.m., the stolen Ford truck was involved in a theft of gas from the Brooks Market on Portland Road. When deputies responded they were able to use surveillance video to determine Mr. Keith was the prime suspect in the theft.
At 8:00 p.m., deputies located the stolen Ford truck parked behind an Arco AM/PM on Lancaster Drive NE. The vehicle was running and no one was inside. Deputies searched the store and found Mr. Keith inside where he was arrested without incident. After his arrest Mr. Keith was found in possession of several pieces of jewelry and a methamphetamine pipe.
Mr. Keith is currently in custody in the Marion County Jail for the crimes of Burglary I, 4 counts of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, 2 counts of Attempting to Elude a Police Officer and Theft of Services.
Deputies are looking for the owner of the jewelry or anyone with information regarding Mr. Keith and his activities. You can text your tips anonymously to TipMCSO at 847411.
Contact Info:Primary PIO Phone: 503. 584. MCSO (6276)
Public Information Officer Lt. Chris Baldridge
Cell Phone:
503.930.0579 Email: cbaldridge@co.marion.or.us
On Twitter: @MCSOInTheKnow
www.Facebook.com/MCSOInTheKnow
