Home / Crime and Justice / Heroic Senior Foils Kidnapping Attempt
Heroic Senior Foils Kidnapping Attempt
21 May
Summary
- 85-year-old bravely intervened in a kidnapping.
- Suspect posed as a utility worker to target victim.
- Aranda faces multiple felony charges including assault.
In a remarkable act of bravery, an 85-year-old resident intervened to prevent the kidnapping of a 25-year-old woman in rural Medford, Oregon. The suspect, identified as Matthew Hokulii Aranda, allegedly posed as a utility worker and waited for the victim before using a taser and physically attacking her.
The elderly man heard the victim's screams and confronted Aranda, enabling the woman to escape to her vehicle. Aranda then allegedly tased the elderly hero while pursuing his victim with a hunting knife. He reportedly fell off the victim's car as she fled, sustaining injuries.
Authorities located and arrested Aranda, described as a transient, shortly after. He has been indicted on 10 charges, including attempted kidnapping and assault. Aranda is also a registered sex offender with prior convictions related to controlled substances and stalking involving a minor.
