A 34-year-old Salem man is accused of starting a fight with multiple construction workers before shooting one in the head. His friend allegedly bashed another with a shovel. Rafael Lucas Jr. is now charged with Second-Degree Attempted Murder, First-Degree Assault, two counts of Second-Degree Assault, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.

Around 1:40 p.m. on July 25, 2024, emergency personnel responded to the Arco AMPM at 3820 Portland Road Northeast for a call of shots fired. Witnesses told authorities that a suspect, 34-year-old Rafael Lucas Jr., tried to start a fight with several members of a construction crew working in the store parking lot.

Lucas allegedly returned after several hours with a second suspect, 61-year-old Benjamin Constantino-De la Luz. SPD says a verbal dispute ensued between one of the workers and Lucas who pulled out a pistol and chased the victim into the store.

Lucas and Constantino-De la Luz allegedly pursued him. Lucas is accused of shooting the construction worker in the head. SPD says Constantino-De la Luz struck another worker with a shovel as the victim was trying to aid the shooting victim.

Both suspects fled the store following the assault. A 48-year-old shooting victim was transported to Salem Health in critical condition. A 70-year-old victim suffered minor injuries and was not taken to an area hospital.

Lucas and Constantino-De la Luz were located blocks from the scene and taken into custody. They are booked into the Marion County Jail. Both men are charged with Attempted Murder, First-Degree Assault, two counts of Second-Degree Assault, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon.