Justin Joseph Salisbury, a 43-year-old White male, died on August 9, 2023, in a shooting incident on the Yaquina Bay Bridge in Newport, Oregon. The event unfolded around 12:54 p.m. on the west walkway of the bridge, where Salisbury was fatally shot.
Responding Newport Police officers found Salisbury deceased at the scene with at least one gunshot wound. A male subject was immediately detained by officers who arrived at the bridge. The incident prompted the closure of the bridge to traffic in all directions for approximately two hours while the initial investigation took place.
Prior to the fatal shooting, Salisbury had been in a confrontation with construction workers on the bridge. In June 2023, he was arrested for disorderly conduct after reportedly threatening workers with a walking stick. Salisbury, who was experiencing homelessness and living in a tent near the bridge, was released from custody on the condition that he would not have any contact with the construction crew.
The Newport Police Department's investigation into Salisbury's death was later forwarded to the Lincoln County District Attorney's Office for review. Authorities have identified several witnesses to the shooting. As of the latest available reports, the investigation remains active, and no further information has been released regarding the identity of the person who was detained or whether any charges have been filed in connection with the shooting. There is a discrepancy in the reported age of the victim, with one source stating he was 49.
