Salem Police Arrest Suspect for Restraining Order Violation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: February 23, 2026
CONTACT: Salem Police Communications Office | [email protected]

SALEM, Ore. - On February 22, 2026, Cristian Mercado, 31, of Salem, was arrested following a violation of
a restraining order at a residence located in the 4900 block of Periwinkle Drive SE.

At approximately 7:00 p.m., officers responded to a restraining order violation at the location where Mercado
was found to be in violation of an existing protection order. The protection order restricted Mercado from
being in contact with the victim and her three children. The victim was at work at the time she called, and the
location services for her children's phones had been turned off.

Mercado also had a confirmed warrant for domestic violence-related assault, with the victim as the
complainant, and was known to have access to firearms.

Officers contained the house and attempted communication for an extended period; however, Mercado
would only stay on the phone for short periods, hindering negotiation efforts. Salem SWAT and the Crisis
Negotiations Team were called to the scene. At 11:45 p.m. Mercado finally surrendered without further
incident.

Mercado was lodged at Marion County Jail on four counts of Violating a Restraining Order, as well as the
outstanding warrant.

The investigation is ongoing, and further inquiries should be directed to the Marion County District Attorney's
Office.

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