A 10-year-old girl abducted from her southeast Canby apartment early Wednesday was rescued more than 12 hours later when a SWAT team entered an Oregon City residence. Authorities arrested 35-year-old Vince Edgar Chavez at the scene after finding the child tied up in a closet.
Overnight Abduction at Orchards Apartments
The sequence began in the early morning hours on October 28, 2026. According to the Canby Police Department, officers responded to a reported kidnapping at the Orchards Apartments on Southeast Township Road at approximately 1:47 a.m.
Investigators determined that an unknown male entered the family’s unit at about 1:39 a.m. The intruder violently assaulted a 12-year-old child in the home before taking her 10-year-old sister, Violet Hay. Initial emergency dispatch audio indicated the attacker struck the older sister in the head with a hammer before fleeing in a white van.
Very early this morning, a family’s worst nightmare happened. The young child…was taken by force. Her sister was viciously assaulted.
Chris Owen, Clackamas County chief deputy district attorney
Emergency responders rushed the injured 12-year-old girl to a local hospital for medical treatment. Capt. James Murphy confirmed she remained hospitalized undergoing medical care as the search for her sister unfolded.
The mother and father of Violet Hay cooperated with investigators as detectives interviewed family members. Canby officials noted that nearly 30 investigators, including personnel from across the country, descended on the area.
Multi-Agency Operation Searches for Missing Girl
The search rapidly expanded into a multi-agency operation involving local police, the Clackamas County Major Crimes Team, Oregon State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Law enforcement canvassed the neighborhood, interviewed family members, and gathered surveillance footage.
Police did not immediately issue an Amber Alert. A department spokesperson explained that the unfolding case did not yet meet the required criteria for the emergency broadcast system because investigators lacked a confirmed suspect and vehicle description during the initial hours.
At approximately 2:45 p.m., a tactical team including the U.S. Marshals Service, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, and local officers surrounded the property and forced entry.
I have great news. We found her safe and alive.
Jose Gonzalez, Canby Police Chief
Officers discovered Violet Hay tied up in a closet inside the house. Medical personnel transported her to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment of her injuries. Blast-out windows and a damaged garage door marked the scene after law enforcement secured the property, and a neighbor recorded police bringing the child out of the home.
Police Arrest Vince Edgar Chavez in Oregon City
Authorities identified the suspect as 35-year-old Vince Edgar Chavez. According to the Marshals Service, Chavez attempted to escape out the back of the house as tactical officers entered, but deputies captured him without further incident.
A roommate living at the Oregon City home told reporters speaking off camera that he was in the middle of a shower when police forced their way into the home. The roommate stated he had no clue Chavez was keeping the girl inside the residence, adding that Chavez had not shown any concerning signs and describing himself as devastated and disgusted.
Officials from the Canby School District announced an increased police presence at Carus Elementary School, where Violet is a student, during Wednesday afternoon dismissal out of an abundance of caution. The district sent an email message to families expressing support for Violet Hay, her family, students, staff, and the broader school community.
State Sen.
Let’s wrap our arms around both children and their family as they begin to recover from this horrific tragedy.
Christine Drazan, Oregon State Senator representing Canby
Investigators plan to hand case files over to the Clackamas County District Attorney’s office on Thursday morning to determine formal criminal charges against Chavez, who is scheduled for arraignment at 2 p.m. Thursday. Anyone with additional information can contact investigators at 1-800-422-0776 or via email at osp.ncc@osp.oregon.gov, referencing case number #26-021300.