A Medford mobile-home park became the scene of a chaotic confrontation earlier this month when neighbors rushed to stop an alleged abduction that left two people injured and a suspect in custody, according to authorities. Deputies say a 25-year-old caregiver was attacked while on the job and managed to bolt to her car, while an 85-year-old neighbor who ran toward the commotion was hit with a stun device as he tried to help.
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office shared arrest video from the incident and reported that a grand jury has returned a 10-count indictment against 42-year-old Matthew Hokulii Aranda in connection with the May 8 encounter, according to Jackson County Sheriff's Office. The indictment lists multiple attempted kidnapping charges, along with assault, stalking and weapons counts. Deputies said Aranda was later found hiding injured in nearby brush and was taken into custody without further incident.
How Deputies Say It Unfolded
Investigators say Aranda walked up to the caregiver in the 3900 block of South Stage Road while pretending to be a utility worker, then used a taser on her before physically attacking. Deputies allege he chased her with a large hunting knife as she ran for her vehicle. An 85-year-old resident, hearing screams, ran outside and confronted the armed man and was also tased, according to Jackson County Sheriff's Office. Deputies say the suspect then jumped onto the victim's car, fell off and eventually hid in a bush, where they later found and arrested him.
Charges And What's Next
A Jackson County grand jury has indicted Aranda on 10 counts that include two counts of first-degree attempted kidnapping, one count of second-degree attempted kidnapping, two counts of stalking, two counts of second-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, menacing and unlawful use of a global positioning system device. With the indictment filed, the case moves into Jackson County Circuit Court, where arraignment and pretrial hearings will be scheduled. Prosecutors with the Jackson County District Attorney's Office are handling the case.
Neighbors And Response
According to law enforcement, deputies at the scene were assisted by the Oregon State Police, the Medford Police Department and the Jacksonville Police Department, and neighbors were credited for quickly calling for help. The sheriff's office posted the arrest video both to lay out the sequence of events and to seek tips or additional witness footage, according to Jackson County Sheriff's Office. Authorities have not announced any other arrests in the case.
Legal Notes
The charges are allegations, and Aranda is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilty in court. The indictment lists felony counts, and upcoming court filings will detail arraignment dates, bail decisions and the schedule for additional hearings.
