Tyler Lewis
Salem Police have made an arrest in connection with a burglary of Liberty Appliance on West Main Street. Police heard a window shattering as they arrived when being alerted by a burglar alarm. A ceiling vacuum machine had been thrown through the window. Upon further investigation, lights were found turned on in a vehicle parked inside.
While no one was around, 32-year-old Slade Thompson of Rogers Street in Salem was later stopped at the Moto Mart because his clothing matched that seen in the store video. Police believed the electric bike Slade was riding was stolen. They called 37-year-old Tyler Lewis of North Broadway in Salem to see if the bike was the one he reported as stolen earlier in the morning. It turned out to be a different bike, but while at the store Lewis allegedly got into a confrontation with another patron and threw a vape inhaler at him.
Salem Police had to take Lewis to the ground when he allegedly fought being taken into custody. He was arrested for aggravated battery to a police officer and aggravated assault to the customer. Lewis was treated at Salem Township Hospital before being taken to jail.
Salem Police say the electric bike Thompson was using was later determined to be taken in a residential burglary. Thompson is currently under investigation for several residential break-ins.
For now, Thompson is only charged with burglary and criminal damage to property for the Liberty Appliance break-in. He was taken to the Marion County Jail pending a decision on formal charges and a first court appearance.
Meanwhile, Salem Police arrested 42-year-old James Tate of North Pearl in Salem for a separate residential burglary. He’s accused of breaking into his ex-wife’s home on North Marion Street and stealing a mini-cam. Tate was given a notice to appear in court.
James Tate
