85-Year-Old Oregon Man Helps Stop Alleged Kidnapping Attempt at Medford Mobile Home Park
MEDFORD, Ore. — A caregiver, who was attacked with a taser by a man posing as a utility worker at a rural Medford mobile park home, was saved by an 85-year-old resident who intervened, giving the woman time to escape to her vehicle.
A 42-year-old man, who posed as a utility worker in an attempt to kidnap the 25-year-old caregiver, was indicted by a Jackson County Grand Jury yesterday.
Matthew Hokulii Aranda, a transient from the Medford area, is facing 10 charges, including first-degree attempted kidnapping, stalking, assault, the unlawful use of a weapon, the unlawful use of a global positioning system device, and menacing.
According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the victim was working as a caregiver at a mobile home park in the 3900 block of South Stage Road on the morning of May 8. She was physically attacked and incapacitated by Aranda, who had been lying in wait for several hours.
- May 8 2026: Caregiver works at South Stage Road mobile home park.
- Before attack: Suspect allegedly waits for several hours.
- During attack: 85 year old resident intervenes.
- Escape: Caregiver reaches her vehicle and drives away.
- Afterward: K9 teams help find suspect hiding nearby.
He Chased the 85-Year-Old Rescuer With a Large Hunting Knife
Aranda then attacked the elderly mobile park home resident with the taser and chased him with a large hunting knife.
The caregiver was able to reach her car safely, but Aranda jumped onto the hood. However, he fell off as the victim drove away and suffered injuries.
Law enforcement officers, with the help of K-9’s, flushed Aranda from nearby bushes, where he had taken refuge. He was arrested without further incident.
JCSO was assisted by the Oregon State Police, and the Medford and Jacksonville Police Departments. The case is under further investigation.