Bystander Helps Stop Medford Kidnapping Attempt (video)
Jackson County officials say a man posing as a utility worker attacked a caregiver before an 85-year-old resident interveneD
MEDFORD, Ore. — A Jackson County Grand Jury has indicted a Medford-area man on 10 charges after investigators say he posed as a utility worker, waited for a woman at a rural Medford mobile home park, and attempted to kidnap her before an 85-year-old bystander intervened.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office said the case began the morning of May 8 at a mobile home park in the 3900 block of South Stage Road, where a 25-year-old woman was working as a caregiver.
Investigators said the suspect, identified as 42-year-old Matthew Hokulii Aranda, posed as a utility worker and waited for the victim for several hours before attacking her with a taser. According to JCSO, the victim screamed during the attack, drawing the attention of an 85-year-old resident who confronted the armed suspect.
The sheriff’s office said the bystander’s intervention gave the victim time to escape to her vehicle.
Investigators said Aranda then tased the bystander and chased the victim with a large hunting knife as she ran to her car. The woman was able to get inside and drive away. According to JCSO, Aranda jumped onto the hood of the vehicle but fell off as the victim escaped, suffering injuries in the process.
Law enforcement later found Aranda injured and hiding in a nearby bush. He was arrested without further incident.
JCSO said the agency was assisted by Oregon State Police, Medford Police Department, and Jacksonville Oregon Police Department.
A Jackson County Grand Jury indicted Aranda on May 14 on 10 charges, including two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of first-degree attempted kidnapping, second-degree attempted kidnapping, two counts of stalking, unlawful use of a global positioning system device, unlawful use of a weapon, and menacing.
The Jackson County District Attorney’s Office said Aranda was placed on a no-bail hold at his initial court appearance, citing the seriousness of the charges and the nature of the incident.
The district attorney’s office also thanked the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for the quick and safe apprehension of Aranda, and praised the bystander who intervened to help the victim get away.
“We will continue doing everything we can in this case to protect this victim and our community going forward and to ensure justice is served,” the district attorney’s office said.
The case remains under investigation. No additional information was available for release.
Aranda is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Cover image: Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Matthew Hokulii Aranda after investigators say he attempted to kidnap a woman from a rural Medford mobile home park. Image from JCSO video.
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