Canby Police Seek Public Tips in Search for Abducted 10-Year-Old Violet Hay
A 10-year-old girl named Violet Hay was abducted from an apartment in southeast Canby, Oregon, early Wednesday morning. Police report that a man entered the residence at 1:39 a.m., assaulted a 12-year-old child, and took Hay. As of Wednesday afternoon, investigators have no description of the suspect or vehicle used. Authorities are appealing to the public for tips while coordinating with multiple law enforcement agencies.
Key points
- Violet Hay, 10, was taken from an apartment at the Orchards Apartments complex on Southeast Township Road in Canby.
- The incident occurred at approximately 1:39 a.m. on October 28, 2026, with police arriving around 1:47 a.m.
- The suspect is described as an unknown male who assaulted a 12-year-old child before abducting Hay.
- Violet is described as 5 feet tall, weighing 125 pounds, and last seen wearing a green shirt and black shorts.
- Police have not released a suspect description or vehicle information as of Wednesday morning.
- Investigators are working with the Clackamas County Major Crimes Team, Oregon State Police, and the FBI.
Background
This incident follows a pattern of high-profile child safety concerns in recent months, including a stalking incident at a UC Berkeley apartment complex in September and a double homicide at a Pennsylvania resort in October. While those cases involved different circumstances, they highlight ongoing public anxiety regarding security in residential areas. The current case in Canby is distinct in its immediate abduction of a child from a home, prompting a multi-agency response.
How outlets are covering it
KATU, KPTV, and Yahoo (via Salem Statesman Journal) all report the core facts consistently: the time of the incident, the victim's description, and the lack of suspect information. KPTV provides additional detail by naming the specific apartment complex, Orchards Apartments, and noting the presence of police cars and a taped-off unit at the scene. KPTV also highlights the Canby School District's statement regarding increased police presence at Carus Elementary. Yahoo emphasizes the involvement of the FBI and Clackamas County Major Crimes Team. All sources agree that the child's parents are cooperating with investigators. There is no significant disagreement among the outlets, but KPTV offers the most granular on-scene details, while Yahoo focuses on the inter-agency collaboration.
Why it matters
The abduction of a child from a home in a residential area triggers immediate community concern and a coordinated law enforcement response. The lack of a suspect description makes public tips critical. The involvement of the FBI and state police indicates the severity of the case. The increased security at the child's school reflects the potential for broader community impact and the need to protect other students. This case underscores the vulnerability of children in residential settings and the importance of rapid public engagement in such investigations.
What to watch
Police are expected to hold a press conference at 3 p.m. on Wednesday to provide updates on the search. Investigators will continue to canvass the neighborhood, review surveillance footage, and interview witnesses. The public is urged to provide any information that could lead to the suspect or the child. The case will likely remain active until Violet Hay is located and the suspect is identified and apprehended.
- CAN YOU HELP? 10-year-old girl kidnapped from Canby apartment, police search for suspect KATU
- 10-year-old girl abducted from Canby apartment, police say KPTV
- Missing 10-year-old sought after reported kidnapping from Canby home KOIN.com
- Police searching for 10-year-old kidnapped from Canby apartment KGW
- 10-year-old girl abducted after early-morning break-in, Canby police say Yahoo
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