Suspect Wanted for Attempted Murder, Kidnapping in Salem

According to a Salem Police Department press release, multiple arrest warrants have been issued for the suspect, Walton F. Valentin, 30, of Methuen, MA. He is wanted for attempted second degree murder, second degree assault, kidnapping with injury, criminal threatening, violation of a protective order and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Around 7:09 p.m. Saturday, Salem Police responded to the Park View Inn on South Broadway for a report of a domestic disturbance with a male armed with a handgun. The suspect had fled prior to police arrival by stealing the victim's minivan, and officers found the female victim suffering from several severe head injuries.

The victim told police the incident started in Lawrence, MA when the male suspect jumped into her car and held a gun to her stomach and began threatening to kill her family back in the Dominican Republic. The victim reported that once they were in the room, the male pointed the gun at her and pulled the trigger, but the gun jammed. He then choked her and then struck her repeatedly over the head with the gun.

After regaining consciousness, the victim called police. She was transported to Parkland Medical Center in Derry by the Salem Fire Department to receive treatment for her injuries. Detectives responded and processed the crime scene.

The stolen van was recovered in Andover, MA. The suspect’s last known address is in Methuen. Lawrence, Methuen and Salem Police are still searching for the suspect. The suspect has numerous active warrants out of Massachusetts as well. He should be considered armed and dangerous.