7-Year-Old Girl Rescued After Alleged Kidnapping Attempt at Oregon Park, Naked Suspect Arrested
PORTLAND, Oregon — A 7-year-old girl was rescued by her parents and nearby witnesses after a naked man allegedly tried to abduct her from a public park in Portland, Oregon, police said.
The suspect, identified as Daniel C. Vasey, 31, has been arrested and is facing multiple felony charges following the dramatic incident at Waterfront Park on Saturday, July 11, according to the Portland Police Bureau.
Mother and Witnesses Fight to Save Child
Police said the incident unfolded shortly before 7 p.m. after emergency dispatchers received reports of a naked man running through the park.
One caller told authorities the man had attempted to punch them in the head. However, officers were responding to other emergency incidents and were unable to reach the park immediately.
Moments later, police received another urgent call reporting that the suspect had grabbed a 7-year-old girl and was attempting to pull her away from her mother.
Investigators said Vasey allegedly seized the girl by one arm while her mother desperately held onto her other arm in an effort to stop the abduction.
According to police, the struggle became so intense that the child was briefly lifted off the ground as both the suspect and her mother pulled in opposite directions.
Father and Bystanders Intervene
The girl’s father and several bystanders quickly rushed to help, striking and pulling the suspect until he released the child.
After the girl was freed, one witness used an irritant spray to prevent the suspect from allegedly attacking anyone else before police arrived.
Authorities confirmed that the child did not suffer serious physical injuries during the frightening encounter.
Suspect Found in Willamette River
Responding officers later located Vasey wading in the Willamette River, which borders Waterfront Park.
He was taken into custody without further incident and transported for processing.
Multiple Criminal Charges Filed
According to the Portland Police Bureau, Vasey has been charged with several offenses, including:
- First-degree attempted kidnapping
- Second-degree attempted kidnapping
- First-degree custodial interference
- Third-degree assault
- Harassment
Court records have not yet indicated whether Vasey has entered a plea or retained legal representation.
Investigation Continues
Police continue to investigate the attempted kidnapping and are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional information to contact investigators.
The case has drawn widespread attention due to the swift actions of the girl’s parents and bystanders, whose intervention is believed to have prevented the child from being abducted.
