Oregon Girl Found Safe After Kidnapping; Man Charged

Federal agents found a missing 10-year-old Oregon girl alive inside an Oregon City home after a search that began early October 28. Investigators used cellphone analysis, interviews and surveillance of a van to locate the residence. On November 3, federal prosecutors charged Vince Edgar Chavez, 36, with kidnapping a minor.

A Search That Moved Quickly

Officers responding to the missing-child report found indications that the girl had been taken, prosecutors said. Investigators interviewed people, examined leads from earlier contacts and identified Chavez as a person of interest. The search involved multiple agencies because officials believed the child’s safety was at immediate risk.

Emergency cellphone records and information from a search of Oregon City led investigators to a house on Pleasant Avenue. A white van associated with Chavez was parked nearby, according to the federal complaint summary.

At about 1:46 p.m., FBI agents saw Chavez go to the van and return to the home. Officers entered, citing the immediate danger to the missing child. The Justice Department said they found her concealed in a bedroom and brought her to safety. She was taken for medical evaluation.

Federal Kidnapping Charge

Prosecutors allege that Chavez transported the child by vehicle across jurisdictions and used public roads and a cellphone in connection with the kidnapping. Those allegations form part of the basis for the federal case.

The rescue involved Oregon City police, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI and other federal partners. Investigators moved from a missing-child report to a specific residence in a matter of hours.

After the Rescue

Chavez was arrested at the house. The federal kidnapping charge remains an allegation that prosecutors must prove in court. Authorities have not released a complete account of what happened to the girl while she was missing.

References: Oregon Man Charged With Federal Kidnapping After Missing Child Located | U.S. Marshals Capture Suspect in Kidnapping of 10-Year-Old Girl

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