Salem Man Sentenced for Gang-Affiliated Firearm Offense

Erikson Bossy received 60 months in prison for unlawful use of a firearm linked to a local street gang.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:21pm

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An extreme close-up of a handgun magazine, the metal and plastic surfaces sharply illuminated by a harsh flash against a dark background, conveying a sense of the gritty, investigative nature of this crime story.A recent wave of gang-related firearm offenses in Salem has prompted a crackdown by law enforcement and prosecutors to address the threat to public safety.Salem Today

Erikson Bossy, a 23-year-old Salem resident, was sentenced to 60 months in the Oregon Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to one count of Unlawful Use of a Firearm. The charges stem from an incident on December 29, 2025, where Bossy pulled a concealed handgun on the victim, Romel Lopez-Hernandez, near the intersection of Vinyard Ave NE and Knox Ave NE. Police later executed a search warrant at Bossy's home, finding the weapon used as well as additional firearms, a gang-affiliated flag, and ski masks, linking him to the 'Savage Block' street gang.

Why it matters

Gang-related violence and the proliferation of illegal firearms pose a serious threat to public safety in Salem. This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and prosecutors to crack down on gang activity and remove dangerous weapons from the streets.

The details

On December 29, 2025, Romel Lopez-Hernandez was walking near the intersection of Vinyard Ave NE and Knox Ave NE when Erikson Bossy, driving a red sedan, pulled up and exited the vehicle. After an exchange of words, Bossy removed a concealed handgun and pointed it at the ground in front of the victim. Lopez-Hernandez called the Salem Police Department, who later executed a search warrant at Bossy's home. Detectives found the weapon used in the incident, two additional firearms, a flag, a ski mask with 'savage' embroidered on it, and a red ski mask, linking Bossy to the 'Savage Block' street gang. Bossy, who was on supervision at the time of the crime, has previous convictions including unlawful possession of firearms.

  • On December 29, 2025, the incident occurred near the intersection of Vinyard Ave NE and Knox Ave NE.
  • On January 8, 2026, Erikson Bossy was arrested.

The players

Erikson Bossy

A 23-year-old Salem resident who pled guilty to one count of Unlawful Use of a Firearm and was sentenced to 60 months in the Oregon Department of Corrections.

Romel Lopez-Hernandez

The victim who was walking near the intersection of Vinyard Ave NE and Knox Ave NE when Bossy pulled a concealed handgun on him.

Judge Amy Queen

The Marion County Circuit Court judge who sentenced Erikson Bossy.

Brendan Murphy

The Marion County Chief Deputy District Attorney who stated that gang-related behavior and violence will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Salem Police Department

The law enforcement agency that responded to the victim's call, secured a search warrant, and executed it at Bossy's home, leading to his arrest.

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What they’re saying

“Gang-related behavior, especially arbitrary violence to increase fear of a particular gang poses a serious threat to public safety and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

— Brendan Murphy, Marion County Chief Deputy District Attorney

What’s next

The Marion County District Attorney's Office will continue to work closely with the Salem Police Department to address gang-related violence and illegal firearm possession in the community.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and prosecutors to combat gang-affiliated crime and remove dangerous weapons from the streets of Salem. It serves as a reminder of the serious consequences faced by those who engage in such behavior and the commitment to public safety in the community.