An 85-year-old man has been hailed as a hero after his quick actions helped a 25-year-old woman escape from an armed kidnapper in a rural Oregon trailer park. The incident occurred on May 8 at a mobile home park near Medford, where the woman was working as a caregiver.
The Attack
According to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, 42-year-old Matthew Hokulii Aranda allegedly posed as a utility worker and waited for several hours before using a taser to incapacitate the victim. The elderly resident heard the commotion and confronted Aranda, providing a crucial distraction.
The Escape
While Aranda was focused on the Good Samaritan, the victim managed to flee to her car. Aranda then tased the elderly man and chased the woman with a large hunting knife. She drove away as Aranda jumped onto the hood but fell off, sustaining injuries.
Arrest and Charges
Police found Aranda hiding in bushes near a residence. Body cam footage shows officers with guns drawn and a K-9 unit approaching him. He claimed a broken leg, which officers confirmed. A grand jury indicted him on May 14 on 10 charges, including second-degree assault, first-degree attempted kidnapping, stalking, unlawful use of a GPS device, unlawful use of a weapon, and menacing.
Public Reaction
Online users praised the elderly hero. One wrote: 'God bless that brave 85-year-old Good Samaritan.' Another said: 'What a fabulous man to come to her rescue, a hero, for sure!' A third added: 'That old man has more hero left in his little pinky than younger, more capable people do.'
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office thanked multiple agencies for their support and noted the investigation is ongoing.
