Chase Hammer v City of Salem, et al.
Salem Police responded to a call for a welfare check on Chase, a-27-year old Black male, reporting he was suicidal, under the influence of Xanax, and in possession of his father’s gun. When police arrived on scene, he was not there. Over an hour later, after dark, Chase approached, walking slowly and calmly up the street. Officers testified that Chase was holding a revolver, upside down and by the butt, as he approached. The officers shined their lights at him and officers simultaneously shouted different commands at him.