A 31-year-old man was arrested Saturday in downtown Portland, Oregon, after allegedly attempting to kidnap a seven-year-old girl who was visiting the city with her family. The suspect, identified as Daniel Vasey, was reportedly naked during the incident near the Salmon Springs Fountains.
According to the Portland Police Bureau, Vasey grabbed the girl's arm, and her mother simultaneously held onto the other arm in an effort to prevent him from taking her. The ensuing struggle lifted the child off the ground before the girl's father, mother, and several bystanders intervened. Witnesses reportedly punched, slapped, and pulled Vasey, with one individual pepper-spraying him. Vasey then released the girl and jumped into the Willamette River.
Police received the first call about a naked man in the area at 6:51 p.m. Subsequent calls reported an alleged assault and then the attempted kidnapping. The Portland Police Bureau stated that all officers were occupied with other calls, including an incident involving a disturbance with a gun, at the time of the initial reports. Officers from another precinct were dispatched and arrested Vasey at 7:03 p.m.
Vasey has been charged with attempted kidnapping, assault, harassment, and custodial interference. Jail records indicate he is being held without bail and does not have a court date scheduled. The girl sustained scratches but was not seriously injured and declined ambulance transport.
The delayed police response has drawn criticism online, with some residents expressing concern about public safety and the staffing of the police bureau. Portland has experienced rising crime and quality-of-life issues since 2020, and the Portland Police Bureau has a total of 809 sworn officers.