Ten-year-old Violet Hay was found safe Wednesday afternoon in an Oregon City home following a violent early-morning home invasion and abduction from a southeast Canby apartment. A SWAT team surrounded the residence and took a suspect into custody after a multi-agency search.
Intruder Strikes Canby Apartment
Officers responded at approximately 1:47 a.m. on October 28, 2026, to an apartment complex in southeast Canby after reports of a kidnapping.
An unknown male entered an apartment at approximately 1:39 a.m., violently assaulted a 12-year-old child, and abducted her 10-year-old sister, Violet Hay. According to dispatch audio from Oregon State Police, the intruder struck the older sister in the head with a hammer before fleeing with Violet in a white van, as reported by KTVZ.
Clackamas County chief deputy district attorney Chris Owen stated during a briefing that Violet was taken by force
and her sister was viciously assaulted,
as noted by Hindustan Times. Canby Police Capt. James Murphy confirmed that the injured sister was transported to a local hospital for ongoing medical treatment.
Tactical Teams Surround Oregon City House
Canby police noted that the case did not initially meet criteria for an Amber Alert because officials lacked a confirmed suspect and vehicle description during the early hours. Instead, investigators interviewed family members, canvassed the neighborhood, collected surveillance footage, and coordinated with the Clackamas County Major Crimes Team, Oregon State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, according to Yahoo.
UPDATE: Violet has been found ALIVE, and a suspect is in custody. 🙏I am deeply grateful for the swift and dedicated response from Canby Police, the Clackamas County Major Crimes Team and the FBI.I couldn’t be prouder of our Canby community. Thank you to everyone who shared… pic.twitter.com/U5ZvjlrLZX
Tactical teams from the U.S. Marshals Service and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team surrounded a residence in Oregon City near Pleasant Avenue and Sommer Street at approximately 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, as detailed by KPTV. Officers found Violet inside the house tied up in a closet.
She was immediately taken to a hospital for evaluation and treatment of her injuries.
A suspect identified as Vince Edgar Chavez attempted to escape through the back of the home as authorities entered the property.
He was apprehended without further incident.
Police Chief Shares Safe Recovery
Canby Police Chief Jose Gonzalez appeared emotional during a Wednesday press conference when breaking the news to the public, as documented by ABC News.
I have great news. We found her safe and alive.
Jose Gonzalez, Canby Police Chief
Chief Gonzalez added that nearly 30 investigators had converged on Canby during the operation, noting, Without their help, it would have been impossible for us to find her well and alive today.
He also shared his perspective as a grandfather and father.
The Canby School District, where Violet attends Carus Elementary School, implemented an increased police presence at dismissal out of an abundance of caution. In an email to families, the district advised community members to remain calm and connected with their children.
Sen. Christine Drazan, R-Canby, shared her gratitude on social media.
Prosecutors Review Case Files
Clackamas County prosecutors announced that the results of the dynamic police investigation will be submitted to the district attorney’s office Thursday morning.
Authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains open. Anyone possessing additional information or relevant surveillance footage is urged to contact investigators at 1-800-442-0776 or via email at osp.ncc@osp.oregon.gov, referencing Canby Police case number 26-021300.
When will formal charges be finalized by the district attorney’s office?