SALEM, Ore. – A 75-year-old man was taken into custody Thursday afternoon after allegedly robbing a downtown Salem bank and being apprehended almost immediately outside the building.
The Robbery
The incident unfolded around 1:45 p.m. on September 5 at the Willamette Valley Bank, located in the 100 block of High Street NE. According to police, the suspect entered the branch and handed a teller a note demanding $200.
After receiving the money, the man calmly walked out of the bank. No injuries were reported, and no weapon was displayed during the incident.
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Quick Response by Officers
The robbery happened just steps from the Marion County Courthouse, where a Salem police officer happened to be on duty. Hearing the radio dispatch about the robbery, the officer walked outside and spotted the suspect leaving the bank.
Responding officers approached the man, later identified as Richard Kenneth Gorton, 75, of Washington state. Authorities said Gorton offered no resistance and lay down on the sidewalk when confronted, allowing police to arrest him without incident.
Suspect in Custody
Gorton was transported to the Marion County Jail, where he was lodged on a robbery charge. Investigators have not released details about why Gorton targeted the bank or whether he has any prior criminal history.
Authorities noted that the swift arrest was possible because of the robbery’s proximity to the courthouse and the quick actions of officers already in the area.
Community Impact
Though the robbery was resolved quickly, incidents like this raise concerns for both residents and businesses in downtown Salem. Bank employees followed safety protocols by complying with the demand, which police say likely helped avoid escalation.
Robberies at financial institutions are relatively rare in Salem, but law enforcement officials emphasized that even seemingly small-scale incidents—like a note demanding a few hundred dollars—are taken very seriously because of the potential danger to staff and the public.
Next Steps in the Case
The Marion County District Attorney’s Office is now handling the case and will determine the formal charges and court proceedings against Gorton.
Authorities are not seeking additional suspects, and no further threat to the community is believed to exist. Officials did not say whether the stolen $200 was recovered at the time of arrest.
Conclusion
A bank robbery that could have led to a prolonged investigation was resolved within minutes, thanks to the presence of nearby officers and the suspect’s lack of resistance.
Richard Kenneth Gorton, 75, remains in custody at Marion County Jail as prosecutors prepare the case. For further information, the public is encouraged to contact the Marion County District Attorney’s Office.
