A 85-year-old resident in Medford, Oregon, was hailed as a hero after confronting a man allegedly attempting to kidnap a 25-year-old caregiver at a mobile home park. Matthew Hokulii Aranda, 42, a transient from the Medford area, was indicted May 14 by a Jackson County grand jury on 10 charges, including second-degree assault, first-degree attempted kidnapping, stalking, and unlawful use of a weapon.
Authorities say Aranda posed as a utility worker and laid in wait for several hours before attacking the victim with a Taser and physically assaulting her. The 85-year-old resident intervened after hearing the woman scream, allowing her to escape to her car. Aranda allegedly used the Taser on the elderly man and chased the victim with a large hunting knife. The suspect jumped onto the hood of the victim’s car as she drove away, falling off and injuring himself. Deputies later found Aranda hiding in nearby bushes and arrested him without further incident.
Body-worn camera footage released by the sheriff’s office shows deputies and a K-9 unit locating Aranda. The case remains under investigation, and no additional details on a motive have been disclosed.