Detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit made an arrest as part of an investigation into an armed robbery in downtown Salem earlier this month.

On January 11, 2023 around 5:45 p.m., officials say a young man reported he was robbed at gun point at the Marion Parkade.

The young man said he was robbed by a man he had recently met at the downtown mall.

According to officials, the victim and the suspect were at the roof of the parking structure when the suspect pulled a gun out of his pocket, racked the slide, and pointed it at the victim, demanding the property on his person.

The suspect, identified as Jeffery Prach, 19, was arrested early Friday morning, January 27, when officers observed him walking in the downtown area.

Authorities say Prach was in possession of a firearm when officers took him into custody.

Prach is lodged at the Marion County Jail on first degree robbery and other related weapons charges.