A 7-year-old boy is safe after he was abducted by a man at a Tigard apartment complex last night.
At 6:30 PM on Wednesday, March 16th, officers responded to The Fields, a complex in the 7800 block of SW Hunziker Road. Investigators learned the boy was playing outside while his mother watched him from inside her apartment. A man grabbed the boy and took him to his own apartment, where he locked the door.
The mother, along with other neighbors, ran after them and kicked down the locked door. The man ran out the back door with the boy, but the child was ultimately let go.
The suspect has been identified as James Harman II, 56. He was taken to the Washington County Jail charged with first-degree kidnapping, which is a Measure 11 crime. He will remain in custody pending arraignment.
Based on evidence at the scene, investigators believe Harman intended to hurt the boy. Additional charges may be pending.
Tigard Police recognized the tremendous impact that an investigation like this can have on the community’s feeling of safety, and reminded the community that serious crimes against children are extremely rare in Tigard. Tigard Police also expressed appreciation for the quick-actions and watchful eyes of the mother and neighbors involved in this situation.
