Man Posing As Utility Worker Attempts To Kidnap Woman, Thwarted By 85-year-old Hero - 05/14/26

Video of arrest available here: https://vimeo.com/1192423580?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

JCSO Case 26-2328

MEDFORD, Ore. – A Jackson County Grand Jury indicted a man today May 14, on 10 charges including stalking, attempted kidnapping, assault, and unlawful use of a weapon.  The charges stemmed from a Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) investigation involving a 42-year-old man posing as a utility worker attempted to kidnap a 25-year-old woman from a mobile home park in rural Medford.

The suspect, Matthew Hokulii Aranda, 42, a Medford area transient, is charged with two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of first-degree attempted kidnapping, second-degree attempted kidnapping, two counts of stalking, unlawful use of a global positioning system device, unlawful use of a weapon, and menacing.  

On the morning of May 8, the victim was working as a caregiver at a mobile home park in the 3900 block of South Stage Road. The investigation revealed Aranda, posing as a utility worker, waited for his victim for several hours before using a taser to incapacitate and physically attack her. An 85-year-old resident heard the victim screaming and confronted the armed suspect, allowing the victim to escape to her vehicle.

Aranda then tased the “Good Samaritan” for his efforts and chased his victim with a large hunting knife. She was able to get to the safety of her car. Aranda jumped onto the hood, but fell off as the victim drove away, suffering injuries in the process.

Law enforcement located Aranda injured and hiding in a nearby bush where he was arrested without further incident. JCSO was assisted by Oregon State Police, Medford Police Department, and Jacksonville Police Department.

This case is under further investigation. There is no additional information available for release at this time.

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