70 Luxury Cars Damaged at Oregon Dealerships

Vandalism Spree in Salem: A Shocking Incident Involving Luxury Cars

In a startling series of events, a man from Montana has been accused of vandalizing approximately 70 luxury vehicles across two dealerships in Salem, Oregon. This incident, which has left both the dealerships and their customers reeling, has drawn significant attention from local law enforcement and the community.

The Incidents Unfold

The first wave of vandalism occurred on September 11 at the Mercedes & Acura of Salem dealership located on Commercial Street Southeast. Surveillance footage captured the suspect, later identified as 32-year-old Brian Del Werner from Kalispell, Montana, damaging around 35 cars. The estimated cost of the damage from this incident alone reached a staggering $55,000.

Just a few days later, on September 14, a similar incident transpired at the BMW of Salem on Van Ness Avenue Northeast. Here, Werner allegedly targeted another 35 vehicles, resulting in an estimated $100,000 in damages. This second incident not only affected the dealership but also left about 20 individuals as victims of the vandalism, further amplifying the impact of his actions.

The Arrest and Background of the Suspect

Brian Del Werner’s criminal activities did not go unnoticed for long. He was arrested on September 18 by Portland police for driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) and other charges. During this arrest, authorities discovered that he was also wanted on a warrant from Flathead County, Montana, for a previous vandalism spree that reportedly involved gunfire.

Currently, Werner is being held at the Multnomah County Jail, where he awaits extradition back to Montana. In addition to the charges he faces in Oregon, he is now confronted with multiple counts of first-degree criminal mischief in Marion County, further complicating his legal troubles.

Community Impact and Call for Victims

The fallout from these incidents has been significant, not only for the dealerships but also for the community. The luxury car market is often a close-knit community, and the damage inflicted has left many feeling vulnerable. Salem police have urged anyone who believes they may be a victim of Werner’s vandalism to come forward and report their experiences.

Conclusion

The vandalism spree in Salem serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a community can be shaken by crime. As the investigation continues and the legal proceedings unfold, the hope is that justice will be served, and the affected individuals and businesses can begin to recover from this shocking event. The Salem Police Department remains vigilant, encouraging community members to stay alert and report any suspicious activities.