Salem Man Arrested After Barricading Himself in RV
Josh Kalani Cuifici, a 29-year-old Astoria man, was arrested in a Salem business parking lot on November 5, 2026, after barricading himself inside a motorhome, damaging the vehicle, and throwing objects at police officers and K9 units, the Statesman Journal reported.
Salem Police officers responded to the Coastal Farm and Ranch parking lot in the 1200 block of Lancaster Drive SE at 5:37 p.m. after authorities said a man was squatting in a dead person’s motorhome and refused to leave, according to the Statesman Journal. KATU reported that the business had asked the driver to leave earlier in the day before contacting a private towing company.
Standoff and K9 Confrontation on Lancaster Drive
Officers negotiated with Cuifici for more than an hour, KATU reported. During the standoff, authorities said Cuifici used a knife to stab cushions inside the motorhome, broke several windows, and threw glass objects at officers.
WATCH | Salem police arrested a 29-year-old man Thursday after he barricaded himself inside an RV in a business parking lot and threw glass objects at officers, authorities said. https://t.co/c5vNkSdbrg
A ceramic mug thrown from the vehicle struck Salem police K9 Andor in the head, though police stated the dog was not injured. KATU noted that officers attempted to use less-lethal force to gain compliance.
A witness recorded the confrontation on a cellphone, capturing Cuifici as he exited the motorhome through a rear window, climbed onto the roof, and jumped onto a patrol car. Another K9, Rupert, jumped onto the car and dragged Cuifici down so officers could make the arrest.
Cuifici Faces Multiple Felony Warrants and Assault Charges
Court records show Cuifici was charged with attempted assault on a public safety officer, attempted assault on a law enforcement animal, and criminal mischief. KATU reported two counts of attempted assault on a public safety officer and two counts of first-degree criminal mischief following the damage caused to the patrol car and a nearby parked vehicle.
At the time of the November 5 incident, Cuifici had active felony warrants for multiple charges, including burglary, criminal mischief, reckless burning, and criminal trespass, according to the Statesman Journal.
Active Investigation Details
Court records indicate Cuifici had not been arraigned. Police stated the case remains an active investigation.