A 10-year-old girl is missing from a southeast Canby apartment complex after police say an unidentified man broke in overnight, assaulted a 12-year-old child, and abducted her. Violet Hay was reported missing just after 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, and as of midday her whereabouts remained unknown.
According to KPTV, the Canby Police Department is investigating the reported kidnapping, and said the man entered the apartment at 1:39 a.m., assaulted the 12-year-old, and took Hay. A separate account from KATU places the break-in at about 1:40 a.m., with the same sequence of an assault followed by the abduction. Hay is described by police as 5 feet tall and about 125 pounds, last seen wearing a green shirt and black shorts.
As of a 10:30 a.m. update cited by the same KATU report, police did not have a description of the suspect or a possible vehicle used in the abduction. KOIN reports that authorities were slated to hold a press conference at 3 p.m. Wednesday as the search continued.
Investigators Canvass the Neighborhood for Clues
Per KPTV's report, investigators are interviewing family members, canvassing the neighborhood, and working to collect video from surveillance cameras in the area. Police said Hay's mother and father are cooperating with the investigation.
The case has drawn a multi-agency response. The station's report notes Canby police investigators are currently working with detectives and forensics experts from the Clackamas County Major Crimes Team, Oregon State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. KOIN's report similarly confirms the Canby Police Department is coordinating with the FBI and Oregon State Police as investigators work to locate Hay.
School District Urges Families to Stay Close
According to KOIN, the Canby School District shared a statement by email to families on Wednesday expressing support for Violet Hay, her family, students, staff and the broader school community. The district urged families to remain calm, stay close and connected with their children, and promptly report any information to investigators. KOIN also reported that its news crew was sent to the scene as the search unfolded.
Police are asking anyone with information to call 1-800-442-0776 or email [email protected], referencing Canby police case number 26-021300.
