A Monmouth man faces serious criminal charges following a shooting at a Salem convenience store on Saturday evening. According to information published by KOIN, the incident occurred just before 7 p.m. at the U.S. Market on Broadway Street NE in Salem.

Further details documented by the Salem Police Department and reported by KPTV indicate that after an altercation between the suspect and a store clerk, the man retrieved a handgun from his vehicle and allegedly used it to break a store window. As he left the area, he reportedly fired multiple shots toward the store, striking within feet of where the clerk had taken cover.

Police identified the suspect as 33-year-old Jonathan Roy Debnam of Monmouth. According to law enforcement statements referenced in the KPTV report, officers located Debnam’s vehicle shortly after the shooting. A coordinated search by multiple agencies, including assistance from police dogs, resulted in Debnam’s arrest when he attempted to return to his car.

Debnam was taken into custody by the Salem Police Department and is being held at the Marion County Jail. He has been charged with second-degree attempted murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and menacing. Police stated that additional charges may be forthcoming as the investigation continues.

While the incident occurred outside Cowlitz County, it reflects broader regional concerns about escalating confrontations in small commercial settings. Local businesses in Longview and Kelso have reported rising tensions in recent years, underscoring the importance of situational awareness and responsive policing across southwest Washington and northwest Oregon.

Why this matters

Incidents like this, though occurring outside Cowlitz County, illustrate the vulnerabilities faced by workers in everyday retail environments and the regional nature of public safety challenges. Understanding how neighboring jurisdictions respond to violent incidents helps inform community expectations for transparency, coordination, and accountability in local law enforcement.

Sources

KOIN: Monmouth man accused of attempted murder after Salem store shooting

KPTV: Monmouth man accused of shooting at Salem convenience store clerk