A Salem small business owner told the Salem City Council on Jan. 12 that he was stabbed while cleaning a downtown-area building, a firsthand account that came as city leaders continue rolling out a safety and livability strategy focused on areas with the highest volume of calls for police and emergency medical response.
Victor Hernandez, speaking during public comment, said he had been cleaning up the building for several months and regularly interacted with people staying nearby. He told councilors the confrontation escalated when he attempted to move items and clear space as part of the cleanup.
“When I turned around, he hit me,” Hernandez said, pointing to injuries as he spoke. “I had like three.”…