Executive Summary
- Nathan Johnathan Muniz, 29, was arrested Thursday by Salem Police and the ATF.
- Muniz allegedly rammed a vehicle and brandished an AR-style rifle during a road rage incident.
- Charges include first-degree robbery, second-degree assault, and unlawful use of a weapon.
- Investigators reportedly recovered a rifle and damaged vehicle parts at the suspect’s home.
SALEM, Ore. – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) assisted the Salem Police Department in arresting a 29-year-old man on Thursday in connection with a violent road rage incident that allegedly escalated into an attempted armed robbery.
Nathan Johnathan Muniz was booked into the Marion County Jail on charges including first-degree robbery, second-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and criminal mischief. According to the Salem Police Department, the arrest followed the execution of a search warrant at Muniz’s residence on Sunnyside Road.
The charges stem from a confrontation that occurred on January 16 near the intersection of Sunnyside Road and Boone Road Southeast. Victims reported to investigators that the suspect, driving a white Toyota Tundra, repeatedly rammed their vehicle before bringing the pursuit to a stop.
Police statements allege that after ramming the vehicle, Muniz exited his truck and used an AR-style carbine rifle to shatter the driver’s side window of the victims’ car. The victims told detectives that the suspect then pointed the weapon at them and demanded money before they managed to drive away and contact authorities.
Detectives with the Salem Police Violent Crimes Unit identified the suspect vehicle and subsequently located Muniz. During the search of his home, investigators reportedly recovered an AR-style rifle with a collapsible stock, along with vehicle parts consistent with the damage sustained during the collision.
Procedural Next Steps
Muniz is scheduled to be arraigned in a Marion County courtroom on Friday afternoon. This case underscores the operational collaboration between local law enforcement and federal entities like the ATF when investigating violent felonies involving firearms. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
