An 85-year-old man in Oregon is being called a hero after authorities say he stepped in to stop the attempted kidnapping of a young woman by a suspect posing as a utility worker. Investigators say the elderly resident confronted the armed suspect after hearing the victim scream for help, potentially saving her life.
The suspect, Matthew Hokulii Aranda, is now facing multiple felony charges connected to the violent attack.
Oregon Woman Escapes Alleged Kidnapping Attempt
According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened on May 8 in a mobile home park on South Stage Road near Medford.
Authorities allege that 34-year-old Matthew Hokulii Aranda pretended to be a utility worker while targeting a 25-year-old woman.
Investigators said Aranda allegedly waited for the victim for several hours before attacking her.
Suspect Allegedly Used Taser During Attack
According to officials, Aranda allegedly used a taser to incapacitate the woman before physically assaulting her.
Authorities say the attack quickly escalated into an attempted kidnapping.
The victim reportedly screamed for help during the violent encounter.
That is when an 85-year-old nearby resident heard the disturbance and rushed to intervene.
85-Year-Old Neighbor Credited With Saving Victim
Investigators praised the elderly man for confronting the suspect despite the danger.
According to the sheriff’s office, the confrontation allowed the woman to break free and escape to her vehicle.
Officials say the suspect then allegedly turned his attention toward the elderly resident and used the taser on him as well.
Despite being attacked, the man’s actions reportedly gave the victim enough time to flee safely.
Suspect Allegedly Chased Victim With Knife
Authorities said Aranda allegedly continued chasing the woman while armed with a large hunting knife.
Investigators claim he even jumped onto the hood of the woman’s vehicle as she attempted to drive away.
However, the suspect reportedly fell off the car, suffered injuries, and later hid in nearby bushes.
Law enforcement officers eventually located and arrested him without further incident.
Grand Jury Returns Multiple Charges
On May 14, a Jackson County grand jury indicted Aranda on 10 charges.
According to jail records, the charges include:
- 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 GPS tracking device
- Unlawful use of a weapon
- Menacing
Authorities say the investigation into the case remains ongoing.
Suspect Previously Convicted in Sex Crime Case
Reports indicate Aranda is also a registered sex offender.
According to previous court records, he was convicted in 2016 on charges involving:
- Delivering controlled substances to a minor
- Using a child in sexually explicit conduct
- Stalking
Investigators said the earlier case involved an inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old girl when Aranda was reportedly 32 years old.
He was sentenced to more than six years in prison in connection with that case.
Community Praises Elderly Hero
The 85-year-old man’s bravery has received widespread praise online and in the local community.
Many people have pointed out that his willingness to confront an armed suspect likely prevented a far more tragic outcome.
Authorities have not publicly released the elderly resident’s identity.
The woman involved in the case has also not been identified.
