A dramatic police operation in Oregon brought a frightening kidnapping case to an end after a SWAT team rescued a 10-year-old girl who had been abducted from her family’s apartment in the middle of the night.

The girl, identified as Violet Hay, was found alive at a residence in Oregon City on October 28, approximately 13 hours after she was taken from her home in Canby.

Authorities arrested 35-year-old Vince Edgar Chavez, who now faces multiple serious criminal charges, including attempted murder, kidnapping and sexual abuse.

Overnight Attack Triggered Urgent Search

According to the Canby Police Department, officers received a report of a kidnapping at approximately 1:47 a.m. on October 28.

Investigators said a man entered the family’s apartment in southeast Canby around 1:39 a.m., attacked Violet’s 12-year-old sister and abducted the younger girl.

Prosecutors later said the older sister had been struck repeatedly in the head with a hammer. She suffered severe injuries and was taken to a hospital for treatment.

The incident prompted a major investigation involving local police, Oregon State Police, the FBI, the Clackamas County Major Crimes Team and federal authorities.

SWAT Team Locates Girl in Oregon City

Investigators followed leads that eventually directed them to a residence in Oregon City, approximately nine miles from the apartment where the abduction occurred.

At around 2:45 p.m., a SWAT team surrounded the property and entered the home.

The U.S. Marshals Service said officers found Violet restrained inside a closet. Prosecutors later provided additional details about how she had allegedly been concealed inside the residence.

As officers entered, Chavez attempted to escape through the rear of the house but was arrested without further incident.

Violet was taken to a medical facility for treatment and further evaluation.

Suspect Faces Multiple Serious Charges

The U.S. Marshals Service identified the suspect as Vince Edgar Chavez.

On October 29, Chavez appeared in Clackamas County Circuit Court and was arraigned on several charges, including:

  • Attempted murder in the first degree
  • Kidnapping in the first degree
  • Assault in the first degree
  • Sexual abuse in the first degree
  • Two counts of sodomy in the first degree
  • Burglary in the first degree
  • Assault in the second degree
  • Two counts of unlawful use of a weapon

Prosecutors allege that Chavez assaulted and kidnapped the 10-year-old girl and sexually assaulted her. He is also accused of attacking her older sister with a hammer.

A judge granted prosecutors’ request to hold Chavez without bail at the Clackamas County Jail. He is scheduled for another court appearance on November 5.

The charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Police Operation Involved Multiple Agencies

The rescue involved a coordinated operation by the U.S. Marshals Service, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, Oregon City Police, the FBI and other law-enforcement partners.

Authorities said investigators used information gathered during the search to locate the residence where the girl was being held.

Canby Police Chief Jose Gonzalez previously announced the rescue during an emotional news conference, telling the community that Violet had been found safe and alive.

The chief thanked the agencies involved in the operation and acknowledged the fear experienced by the family during the search.

Community Reacts With Relief

The successful rescue brought relief to the Canby community after hours of uncertainty.

The girl’s 12-year-old sister remained hospitalized following the attack. School officials also increased police presence at Carus Elementary School as a precaution.

Authorities have thanked residents who shared information and assisted investigators. They have also asked the public to respect the family’s privacy while the children receive care and recover.

Investigation and Court Proceedings Continue

Although Violet has been recovered and a suspect is in custody, the criminal investigation and court proceedings are continuing.

Prosecutors will now pursue the charges against Chavez, while investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack and abduction.

The case has highlighted the importance of rapid cooperation between local and federal law-enforcement agencies when responding to emergencies involving missing children.

Sources: Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, ABC News and KATU News.