Portland police arrested a 31-year-old man Saturday evening after what officers described as a naked man attempted kidnapping of a 7-year-old girl at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, authorities said. The arrest came shortly before 7 p.m., and officers later booked the suspect on multiple charges, according to the police statement.
Naked man attempted kidnapping at Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Police say they received multiple calls about a nude man running through Tom McCall Waterfront Park and acting aggressively. About 12 minutes after an initial caller reported the man had tried to punch them, officers were alerted that a man had grabbed a young girl and attempted to pull her away from her mother. Responding officers located and arrested the suspect after finding him in the Willamette River, police said.
The child was not seriously injured and was checked by paramedics at the scene. Officers reported the family told them they were tourists visiting Portland from out of state.
How the incident unfolded and bystander response
According to the police statement, the suspect grabbed the girl’s arm and attempted to lift her away from her mother. The mother held onto the child’s other arm and a brief but intense struggle ensued that reportedly lifted the child off the ground. The girl’s father and other bystanders intervened physically to separate the suspect and the child.
Police say the confrontation included punching, slapping and pulling directed at the suspect. One bystander used pepper spray during the altercation in an effort to stop the man from approaching others. That intervention, along with the actions of the parents and additional witnesses, is credited in the police account with preventing the suspect from taking the child away from her family.
After the struggle, officers located the suspect in the Willamette River and took him into custody, according to the written report by Portland police.
Suspect identified and charges
Portland Police identified the arrested man as 31-year-old Daniel Vasey. Booking information shows Vasey was taken to the Multnomah County Detention Center. The police statement lists charges that include first- and second-degree attempted kidnapping, first-degree custodial interference, third-degree assault and harassment.
Those charges derive from the arrest report and police statement and, as with any arrest, are allegations. The Multnomah County Detention Center booking record indicates Vasey was processed on the listed charges; whether prosecutors will file formal charges and what counts will be prosecuted will be determined after further review.
Injuries, victim status and official notes
Police said the 7-year-old girl sustained only minor scratches and was not seriously injured. Paramedics evaluated the child at the scene and she was not transported by ambulance. Police reiterated that the family told officers they were visiting from out of state.
Portland Police emphasized the reported events are allegations under active investigation. Investigators routinely follow up by speaking to witnesses, collecting physical evidence and reviewing any available video or other records as part of building a case; the department asked anyone who witnessed the incident to contact investigators directly to help with the ongoing probe.
Why this matters for park visitors and tourists
Tom McCall Waterfront Park is a heavily used public area along the Willamette River that draws residents and visitors. Police urged anyone who sees aggressive, unusual or threatening behavior to call 911 immediately so officers can respond quickly.
Basic precautions for visitors and families include keeping young children within sight and arm’s reach in crowded public spaces, staying near companions, and identifying nearby park staff or safe locations where you can seek help. Witnesses who step in to assist should weigh personal safety first and call law enforcement as soon as possible.
Portland Police credited swift action by the parents and multiple bystanders for preventing a more serious outcome in this case and asked members of the public with information to come forward to assist investigators.
What comes next
After booking, Vasey remained in custody at the Multnomah County Detention Center per the arrest report. Prosecutors will review the evidence gathered by police and decide whether to file formal charges and which counts to pursue. As with any criminal matter, allegations must be proven in court.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Portland Police. The department’s public information unit said investigators are continuing to follow leads and review witness statements as part of the active investigation.
Source: Portland Police Bureau press release.
