Man Arrested for Attempted Kidnapping of 7-year-old Girl in Waterfront Park
Portland police arrested 31-year-old Daniel C. Vasey on Saturday evening following an attempted kidnapping at Waterfront Park. Dispatchers received reports of a man running naked near the 1000 block of Southwest Naito Parkway around 6:51 p.m. While police were tied up with other active calls, the situation escalated when the suspect grabbed a seven-year-old girl.
The victim was walking with her mother when the suspect approached and physically pulled the child away. The mother managed to hold onto the girl, resulting in a struggle that lifted the child off the ground. The child's parents and several bystanders intervened by striking the suspect and using an irritant spray to force him to release the victim. The family, who were visiting Portland as tourists, received medical evaluation on-site for minor scratches.
Officers located the suspect in the Willamette River shortly after arriving at the scene. Paramedics treated the young girl at the park, but she did not require hospitalization. The suspect remains in custody at the Multnomah County Detention Center facing charges including Attempted Kidnapping in the First and Second Degree, Custodial Interference, Assault in the Third Degree, and Harassment.
Police officials continue to review the incident. Authorities encourage any witnesses who have not yet spoken with investigators to come forward. The Portland Police Bureau asks the public to submit any relevant information online referencing case number 26-201501.