On December 12th, 2019, shortly before 10:00 pm, deputies were dispatched to an armed robbery at a convenience store just north of Keizer. When deputies arrived at the Center Market, located at 9005 River Road N, the clerk reported an unknown male had pointed a handgun at them and demanded money from the cash register. Deputies were able to determine the armed robber fled the location in a white Honda 2-door, last seen going southbound toward Keizer.
A short time later, Keizer Police located a white Honda matching the description of the vehicle used in the robbery unoccupied in a parking lot at Keizer Station. The Honda had been reported to the Salem Police as having been stolen earlier in the day. As additional law enforcement were responding to the area, the suspect was spotted by a Keizer Police Officer and a short foot pursuit ensued through the shopping center parking lots. The suspect was ultimately safely taken into custody. A handgun believed to have been used during the robbery was recovered after being located in the area by a police K9.
The suspect has been identified as Justin Lavalley, a 39 year-old Dallas man. Lavalley has been lodged at the Marion County Jail for charges including; Robbery 1, Theft 1, Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Menacing, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and a Parole Violation.
Sheriff Joe Kast stated, “The timely arrest of this armed robbery suspect was the direct result of great communication between our deputies, dispatchers, and officers from the Keizer Police Department. The strong relationships we have with our public safety partners continue to benefit our community time and time again.”
Lavalley is scheduled for arraignment on Friday, December 13th at 3:00 pm at the Marion County Circuit Court Annex.