A 10-year-old girl who was reported kidnapped from her apartment overnight was found safe, police in Oregon said.
Violet Hay was located at a residence in Oregon City at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday local time, over 12 hours after she was reported abducted from her home in Canby, officials said.
“I have great news. We found her safe and alive,” Canby Police Chief Jose Gonzalez said during a news conference on Wednesday, getting emotional.
A SWAT team surrounded the residence and took a suspect into custody, he said.
Officers had responded earlier Wednesday, at approximately 1:47 a.m., to an apartment complex in Canby for the reported kidnapping, the Canby Police Department said.
“Investigators learned that at approximately 1:39 a.m., an unknown male reportedly entered an apartment, assaulted a 12-year-old child, and abducted 10-year-old Violet Hay,” the police department said in a press release Wednesday.
Violet was “taken by force,” and her 12-year-old sister was “viciously assaulted,” Chris Owen, Clackamas County chief deputy district attorney, said during the briefing.
The 12-year-old girl was transported to a local hospital and is still receiving treatment, Canby Police Capt. James Murphy said during Wednesday’s press briefing.
Murphy described the day’s developments as “very dynamic” and said police are still investigating.
“We would like to learn more obviously about these circumstances involved in the case,” he said.
Owen said the results of the investigation will be submitted to the district attorney’s office Thursday morning and “we will make a charging decision concerning any suspect or suspects.”
Police did not take any questions, citing the ongoing investigation.
Amid the search, police said investigators were interviewing family members and were working to collect any surveillance footage and develop a suspect and/or vehicle description.
The girl’s mother and father are continuing to cooperate in the investigation, police said.
The search involves local and state authorities, as well as the FBI, according to Canby police. The police chief thanked all those involved in the search for Violet, saying, “Without their help, it would have been impossible for us to find her well and alive today.”
“As a parent, I was anxious and I wanted to get it resolved, and I’m so glad that we found her alive and well,” he said.
The Canby School District said there would be an increased police presence at Carus Elementary School, where Violet is a student, at dismissal on Wednesday “out of an abundance of caution.”
“We recognize that news like this is deeply concerning and may cause fear and uncertainty for our families,” the Canby School District said in a message to the school community. “During this difficult time, the most important things we can do are remain calm, stay close and connected with our children, and immediately report any information that could help investigators.”
Anyone with tips is urged to contact Oregon State Police at 1-800-442-0776 and reference the Canby Police Department case No. 26-021300.
Canby is located about 25 miles south of downtown Portland.
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