Full Breakdown
Violet Hay Kidnapping and Rescue in Canby, Oregon
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Incident Overview
Early Wednesday morning, an unknown male entered an apartment at the Orchards Apartments in southeast Canby, assaulted a 12-year-old girl and abducted her 10-year-old sister, Violet Hay. Police described the 12-year-old’s injuries as a “violent assault” and confirmed she was hospitalized. After a coordinated search involving local, state and federal agencies, investigators located Violet at a residence in Oregon City at approximately 2:45 p.m. that day. A SWAT team secured the location and took a suspect into custody; the suspect’s identity has not been released.
02
Timeline
- ? 1:39 a.m. – Unidentified male enters a Canby apartment, assaults the 12-year-old, and abducts Violet.
- ? 1:47 a.m. – Canby Police respond to the kidnapping report.
- ? 12:45 p.m. – Police confirm Violet’s whereabouts are still unknown.
- ? 2:45 p.m. – Violet is found alive in Oregon City; a suspect is taken into custody.
- ? 3:30 p.m. – Canby Police hold a press conference announcing the rescue and the suspect’s arrest.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Data & Statistics
- Violet Hay: last seen wearing a green shirt and black shorts.
- The 12-year-old sister: hospitalized; condition reported as “still receiving treatment.”
- Case reference: Canby Police Department case # 26-021300.
- Tip line: 1-800-442-0776; email: osp.ncc@osp.oregon.gov.
04
Official Statements & Responses
Canby Police Chief Jose Gonzalez announced that Violet was “safe and alive” and thanked the community for its assistance. He noted that investigators were working with detectives and forensics experts from the Clackamas County Major Crimes Team, Oregon State Police and the FBI.
Clackamas County chief deputy district attorney Chris Owen (or Chris Owens, see Conflicting Reports) said a suspect had been arrested and that the 12-year-old was “viciously assaulted.” He indicated that the investigation’s findings would be submitted to the district attorney’s office for a charging decision.
The Canby School District announced an increased police presence at Carus Elementary School during dismissal as a precaution.
A spokesperson for the Canby Police Department explained that an Amber Alert was not issued because the case did not meet the required criteria at the time of the abduction.
05
Verbatim Quotes
- “Canby Police investigators are currently working with detectives and forensics experts from the Clackamas County’s Major Crimes Team, Oregon State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” — Canby PD
- “I am deeply grateful for the swift and dedicated response from Canby Police, the Clackamas County Major Crimes Team and the FBI,” — Sen. Christine Drazan
06
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Two sources differ on the name of the Clackamas County chief deputy district attorney who briefed the press. KPTV and ABC News identify the official as Chris Owen, while KTVZ refers to him as Chris Owens. Both agree on the substance of the statements regarding the suspect’s arrest and the assault on the 12-year-old. No other substantive discrepancies appear among the reports.
07
What’s Next
The Clackamas County District Attorney’s office will review the investigation’s results on Thursday and decide on formal charges. The Canby School District will maintain an increased police presence at Carus Elementary during dismissal. Police continue to solicit tips from the public to aid the ongoing investigation.