Montana Man Arrested for $155K Salem Dealership Vandalism Spree
A Montana man has been arrested in connection with a destructive vandalism spree that damaged over 70 luxury vehicles at two Salem dealerships, causing an estimated $155,000 in damages. Brian Del Werner, 32, of Kalispell, Montana, was taken into custody by Portland police on Monday following what authorities describe as a multi-state crime wave involving vehicle vandalism and gunfire.
Vandalism Spree at Salem Dealership Attacks Leave Trail of Destruction
First Strike: Mercedes & Acura of Salem
On September 11, surveillance cameras captured Werner damaging approximately 35 vehicles at Mercedes & Acura of Salem on Commercial Street Southeast, according to the Salem Police Department. The initial attack resulted in an estimated $55,000 in damages to luxury vehicles on the dealership lot.
Second Wave: BMW of Salem Targeted
Three days later, on September 14, Werner allegedly struck again at BMW of Salem on Van Ness Avenue Northeast, damaging another 35 vehicles. This second incident was significantly more costly, resulting in approximately $100,000 in damages and affecting about 20 individual victims who had vehicles at the dealership.
Multi-State Crime Pattern Emerges
Werner’s alleged criminal activity extends far beyond Salem’s city limits. According to the Kalispell Police Department, Werner is suspected of vandalizing more than 20 cars, slashing tires and firing a gun multiple times in Kalispell between the night of September 7 and the morning of September 8.
At least two buildings and one vehicle were struck by gunfire during the Kalispell incidents, escalating the severity of the charges Werner faces in Montana. Salem police confirmed he was wanted on a warrant out of Flathead County, Montana, for a “similar vandalism spree” that involved gunfire.
Legal Consequences Mount Across State Lines
Oregon Charges
Werner now faces multiple counts of first-degree criminal mischief in Marion County, Oregon. He was initially arrested by Portland police for DUII and other charges before the connection to the Salem vandalism was established.
Montana Extradition
Werner is being extradited to Flathead County to face felony charges related to the Montana incidents. He was lodged at the Multnomah County Jail, where he is waiting for extradition to Montana.
Impact on Local Businesses and Customers
The vandalism spree has had significant financial implications for both dealerships and their customers. With a combined damage estimate of $155,000, the incidents represent one of the most costly vehicle vandalism cases in Salem’s recent history.
Dealership Recovery Efforts
Both Mercedes & Acura of Salem and BMW of Salem are working with insurance companies and law enforcement to assess the full extent of the damages. The attacks occurred during peak business hours, affecting both inventory and customer vehicles.
Customer Impact
About 20 people were victims of the vandalism at the BMW dealership, indicating that personal vehicles were among those damaged. The Salem Police Department is actively reaching out to potential victims who may not yet be aware their vehicles were affected.
Vehicle Vandalism: A Growing Concern
While specific statistics for Oregon dealership vandalism aren’t readily available, property crimes targeting automotive businesses have become an increasing concern nationwide. The sophisticated nature of Werner’s alleged crimes—targeting high-end dealerships with luxury inventory—represents a particularly costly form of criminal mischief.
Security Implications
The incidents have raised questions about dealership security measures and the vulnerability of outdoor vehicle displays. Both dealerships are likely reassessing their surveillance and security protocols following the attacks.
Investigation Continues
The Salem Police Department continues its investigation and is asking anyone who believes they may be a victim to come forward. The multi-jurisdictional nature of Werner’s alleged crimes has required coordination between Oregon and Montana law enforcement agencies.
Evidence Collection
Video surveillance footage from both dealerships has been crucial in identifying Werner as the suspect. The clear documentation of the vandalism has strengthened the prosecution’s case against him.
Key Takeaways
• Total Damage: Over $155,000 in damages to 70+ luxury vehicles across two Salem dealerships • Multi-State Pattern: Werner is connected to similar crimes in Montana involving gunfire and vehicle vandalism • Timeline: Salem incidents occurred September 11 and 14, following Montana crimes September 7-8 • Legal Status: Werner faces felony charges in both Oregon and Montana • Victim Impact: Approximately 20 individuals had personal vehicles damaged at BMW dealership • Evidence: Surveillance footage from both dealerships captured the vandalism incidents
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Frequently Asked Questions
Werner allegedly damaged approximately 70 vehicles across both Salem dealerships—35 at Mercedes & Acura and 35 at BMW of Salem.
The combined damage estimate is approximately $155,000, with $55,000 at the Mercedes dealership and $100,000 at the BMW dealership.
No injuries were reported during the Salem vandalism incidents, though Werner’s Montana crimes allegedly involved gunfire.
Werner was identified through surveillance footage from both dealerships and was subsequently arrested by Portland police on unrelated charges.
Werner faces multiple counts of first-degree criminal mischief in Oregon and felony charges in Montana related to vandalism and weapons violations.
Christine Morgan is a senior staff writer and journalist at ReadBitz.com, where she brings clarity and context to the most pressing global events. As a leading voice on the daily news desk, she is dedicated to demystifying the complex web of international affairs, politics, and economics for a diverse global readership.