SALEM, OR — A man has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal hit-and-run of a pedestrian on a Salem street early Friday morning. Authorities say the suspect was under the influence of alcohol when he struck the victim and fled the scene.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m. on January 19, 2025, when the suspect, driving a black sedan, collided with the pedestrian near the intersection of Commercial Street and State Street. The victim, who has been identified as a 48-year-old man from Salem, was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash.
Witnesses reported seeing the suspect’s vehicle speed away from the scene shortly after the impact. Responding officers and emergency personnel found the victim lying in the road but were unable to revive him. Law enforcement quickly launched a search for the driver.
Within hours of the incident, police tracked down the suspect, later identified as 32-year-old Jacob Johnson, at a nearby location. Officers noted that Johnson appeared intoxicated and conducted a field sobriety test, which he failed. A subsequent breathalyzer test confirmed that Johnson had a blood alcohol concentration well above the legal limit.
Johnson has been charged with vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence (DUI), and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. He is being held without bail pending a court appearance later this week.
“This was a senseless and tragic loss of life that could have been avoided,” said Salem Police Chief Linda Davidson. “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, and we will ensure that the person responsible is held accountable for their actions.”
The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, but authorities have confirmed that he was a long-time resident of Salem.
The case has drawn public outrage, with many calling for stricter penalties for hit-and-run offenses, particularly those involving impaired drivers. Advocates for road safety have also urged local lawmakers to increase penalties for DUI-related incidents in an effort to prevent similar tragedies.
The investigation remains ongoing as police continue to gather evidence and review surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
