A 31-year-old man was arrested in downtown Portland on Saturday after allegedly attempting to abduct a seven-year-old girl visiting the city with her family. The suspect, identified as Daniel Vasey, was reportedly completely naked when he approached the child near the Salmon Springs Fountains.
Vasey allegedly grabbed the girl's arm, and her mother attempted to pull her away. According to the Portland Police Bureau, the struggle caused the girl to be lifted off the ground. The girl's father, mother, and several bystanders intervened, punching, slapping, and pulling Vasey. One bystander used pepper spray, causing Vasey to release the child and jump into the Willamette River.
Police received multiple calls reporting Vasey's behavior, starting with a man running around naked at 6:51 p.m. Another call at 6:55 p.m. reported an alleged attempt to punch someone. At 7:03 p.m., a third call reported Vasey grabbing the young girl. Officers from another precinct were dispatched and arrested Vasey after he entered the river. The Portland Police Bureau stated that all officers were busy with other calls, including a disturbance involving a gun, at the time of the initial reports.
The girl sustained minor scratches but did not require hospitalization. Paramedics treated her at the scene. Vasey is being held without bail, and a court date has not yet been scheduled.
The incident and the police response time drew criticism online. Commenters expressed frustration that it took over 20 minutes for law enforcement to arrive after the initial reports, with some attributing the delay to staffing issues and budget decisions. Portland has experienced an increase in crime and quality-of-life issues since 2020, and the Portland Police Bureau has 809 sworn officers.