A driver was arrested on 11 charges — including driving under the influence of intoxicants — after crashing into another vehicle in east Salem on Saturday, killing four of his passengers.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded just before 8 p.m. Saturday to a crash in which a northbound Volkswagen Jetta driven by Salem resident Saul Hernandez-Roblero, 23, crossed into the southbound lane near the 2400 block of Cordon Road NE and collided with a Buick Enclave.
The crash occurred next to Chávez Elementary School near Sunnyview Road, about 1.5 miles east of Interstate 5.
Four male passengers in Hernandez-Roblero’s vehicle, all believed to be in their late teens to early 20s, were pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff’s office said Sunday. Hernandez-Roblero and a front-seat passenger suffered serious injuries and were taken to Salem-area hospitals.
The Buick’s occupants — an adult driver and two children — received medical treatment at Salem Hospital, police said.
The sheriff’s office said Hernandez-Roblero was arrested after receiving medical care. He faces 11 charges:
- Four counts of first degree manslaughter.
- One count of DUII.
- Five counts of reckless endangering another person.
- One count of reckless driving.
Hernandez-Roblero remains in custody at the Marion County Jail and is scheduled for arraignment Monday afternoon.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, police said.
