Oregon City Boy Grabbed, Dragged by Stranger, Police say

OREGON CITY, OR – Police in Oregon City are asking the public for information regarding an incident Sunday that left several local kids and their parents shaken.

Around 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 23, Oregon City police were dispatched to the 14700-block of Glen Oak Road, near Coast Redwood Avenue, after a parent said their child had been grabbed and dragged by an unknown assailant during a game of hide-and-seek.

According to police, the 9-year-old boy who was reportedly grabbed had been playing outside with a group of other children. When it was the boy’s turn to count for hide-and-seek, an unknown male wearing all black clothing, black gloves, and a black mask allegedly grabbed the boy by the leg and pulled him several feet before letting go when the boy cried out for help.

The suspect, who is described as roughly 4-feet 9-inches tall, was last seen running north. No injuries were reported.

The incident has left many parents in the area rattled, with several of them voicing their concerns on the closed community Facebook group, Oregon City Chit Chat. One parent, Constance Oleson –– whose son was playing with the group of hide-and-seekers –– shared her thoughts with Patch via Facebook messenger on Monday.

"We're just scared. I don't want my kids outside by themselves or even in a group," she said. "I'm happy that he wasn't taken and wasn't injured. I just hope this was a one time occurrence."

When asked whether she thought this was a poorly thought-out prank or an actual legitimate abduction attempt, Oleson said she hoped it was a prank.

"But it stops being a prank, once you put hands on a child," she said. "Popping out and saying 'boo' is one thing. Don't grab and drag a child."

Oleson also complimented the Oregon City police for looking into the incident.

Police searched the area, officials said, but did not locate the suspect. Additionally, no other reports of this kind have been received, police said.

"We would like the public to always be aware of their surroundings," advised OCPD Capt. Shaun Davis in an email. "Parents are asked to call the police as soon as possible if they witness something suspicious around their neighborhood."

Additionally, as daylight hours grow longer and more kids choose to play outside in the warmer evenings, Davis offered a list of tips for kids and parents to consider when apart:

• If children are playing outside it is always safer to have a parent present, though it's not always practical;
• If children are outside they should be with a buddy or group;
• Parents should have designated check in times for their children;
• If a child has a phone they should have it with them and know how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency;
• Parents with children who carry phones are encouraged to download smartphone apps that help them track their child's location (such as Find my iPhone);
• Kids should let their parents know who they are with and where they will be;
• If a child decides to go somewhere other than what they've planned in advance, they need to let their parent know;
• Children should not go into anyone's house unless that person is known by their parent; and
• Children should never get in a stranger's car.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Oregon City police tip-line at 503-496-1616.

This post has been updated to include comments from Oregon City resident Constance Oleson and Oregon City police Capt. Shaun Davis.

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