Costco Parking Lot Attack Ends in Violent Robbery of Salem Woman; Suspect Jorge Reyes-Suarez Nabbed

SALEM, Ore. — What was meant to be a routine shopping trip at a Salem Costco ended in a violent assault and robbery on Friday, February 6, 2026. A local woman was hospitalized after being struck in the head with a replica handgun in the store's parking lot, prompting a massive police response that culminated in the arrest of a suspect.

Attack in the Parking Lot

According to Salem Police, the incident occurred shortly after 12:00 p.m. in the parking lot of the Costco located in the 4800 block of 27th Avenue SE. The victim had finished loading her purchases into her vehicle and was returning her shopping cart when a man approached her. Without warning, the suspect struck her in the head with what appeared to be a black handgun and snatched her fanny pack.

Witnesses in the parking lot attempted to intervene and halt the attacker, but the suspect managed to flee the scene in a white Toyota Corolla. Paramedics arrived shortly after to treat the victim, who suffered significant head and facial injuries. She was transported to Salem Hospital for further medical attention.

Apprehension of Jorge Reyes-Suarez

Law enforcement agencies, including the Oregon State Police and Keizer Police, quickly mobilized to search for the white Corolla. Following a vehicle pursuit and a foot chase, police arrested 45-year-old Jorge Reyes-Suarez. During a canine track of the suspect's flight path, officers recovered the weapon, which was determined to be a realistic replica pellet gun.

Reyes-Suarez was booked into the Marion County Jail on charges of First-Degree Robbery, First-Degree Assault, and felony charges related to attempting to elude law enforcement.