PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release completed by: Captain Brian McNaughton
Arrested: Maldonado Lopez, Arnulfo - Age: 25
Address: Bend, Or. 97702 (Last known address)
Redmond, Oregon – On Thursday, August 9, 2018, officers from the Redmond Police Department responded to Roberts Field (RDM) for an attempted child abduction. As Officers were in route to RDM, the suspect, 25-year-old Bend resident Arnulfo Maldonado, attempted to pass through a TSA checkpoint, then became combative with airport security just after he failed in his attempt to pull a child away from his mother and father.
Maldonado continued to resist as Redmond Police Officers tried to take him into custody near the TSA checkpoint. Maldonado bit a Redmond Police Sergeant on the hand and attempted to escape from officers. Additional Officers responded to the scene and Maldonado was restrained in the "WRAP". The WRAP is a restraint device designed to reduce injury to officers as well as the suspect.
An initial investigation determined Maldonado suddenly grabbed a three-year-old child, who was holding his father’s hand. Maldonado attempted to pull the child from his father but then let the child go after the father threatened him. Maldonado proceeded to erratically run around yelling and screaming just before security was able to detain him. It should be noted that Maldonado was not previously known to this family.
Maldonado was transported to the Redmond St. Charles Emergency room, evaluated by medical staff, and transported to the Deschutes County Jail. He was booked on charges of Kidnapping, Disorderly Conduct, Resisting Arrest, Assault of a Public Safety Officer, Interfering with Police and Criminal Mischief. The Sergeant was treated and released for minor injuries related to being bit on the hand.
The Redmond Police Department attributes the quick actions of the child’s parents as well as the actions of onsite RAMS security for the apprehension of Maldonado and for the safety of the child. The child was unharmed during the incident. We would also like to thank the RDM
Airport staff, TSA personnel, and St. Charles emergency room staff for their assistance in this matter.
Maldonado was previously arrested in Bend, Oregon on July 28, 2018. The arrest was associated with Maldonado calling 911 and asking for help. As Bend Officers attempted to assist Maldonado by utilizing a "language line" service, he stole the Officers phone and ran away. Bend Officers captured Maldonado and retrieved the phone.
The Redmond Police Department works daily to make our community safe. We would like to remind parents to be aware of any suspicious activity. The parents, in this case, were alert and took appropriate action. The Redmond Police Department asks that all citizens be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity or persons to the police immediately. We need your help to reach our goal to make Redmond the safest community in Oregon.