OREGON CITY, Ore. (Oct. 29, 2026) — A 10-year-old girl was rescued from an Oregon City residence Wednesday afternoon, and a 35-year-old man was arrested in connection with her kidnapping and a violent assault on her 12-year-old sister, authorities said.
Violet was found bound and hidden on the second floor of a residence in the 500 block of Pleasant Avenue after members of the Clackamas County SWAT team launched a tactical rescue operation at approximately 2:39 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, according to the Canby Police Department.
The suspect, identified as Vince Edgar Chavez, 35, of Oregon City, fled through a second-story window but was captured by a U.S. Marshals Task Force stationed outside the residence.
Chavez was taken into custody approximately 11 hours after the kidnapping and assault, police said.
Violet is now safe. Her 12-year-old sister, who was attacked during the incident, continues to receive medical treatment for her injuries.
Investigation leads to suspect
The investigation began after the kidnapping was reported at approximately 1:39 a.m. Wednesday at the Orchards Apartments on South Pine Street in Canby, where the kidnapping and assault occurred.
A multi-agency team of investigators, including detectives and forensic specialists from the Canby Police Department, Clackamas County Major Crimes Team, Oregon State Police, U.S. Marshals Service and FBI, worked to identify a suspect.
Investigators located surveillance footage showing a white minivan leaving the apartment complex. Authorities subsequently identified Chavez as a suspect in the case.
At approximately 2:39 p.m., members of the Clackamas County SWAT team and Crisis Negotiation Team approached the Oregon City residence to search for Violet and Chavez.
SWAT members entered the residence and located the girl bound and concealed on the second floor. Chavez escaped through a second-story window before being apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Task Force, which had established a perimeter around the property.
The residence and a white van parked outside were turned over to investigators, who later obtained search warrants, police said.
Suspect faces multiple felony charges
Following interviews with detectives, Chavez was booked into the Clackamas County Jail on charges including attempted murder, first-degree assault, first-degree kidnapping and first-degree sodomy.
Chavez appeared in Clackamas County Circuit Court at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, and will be held without bail pending a preliminary hearing, according to police.
The girls’ parents continue to cooperate with investigators.
Police chief thanks law enforcement partners
Canby Police Chief Jose Gonzalez said the incident has deeply affected the community and expressed gratitude that the younger girl was found alive.
“As a father and grandfather, I cannot imagine the fear and pain caused by such a horrific act of violence against innocent children,” Gonzalez said. “No child should ever have to experience something like this.”
Gonzalez said his thoughts remain with both girls as they recover from their injuries and praised the officers, detectives and partner agencies involved in the rescue.
“I am incredibly proud of the men and women of the Canby Police Department and our local, state and federal law enforcement partners,” Gonzalez said. “Their dedication, teamwork and determination brought Violet to safety.”
He also assured residents that the department would continue working to protect the community.
All suspects are believed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law
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