EUGENE, OR – A 55-year-old man was taken into custody Monday after allegedly attempting to take a baby from a park and assaulting the baby’s grandfather, according to the Eugene Police Department.

At approximately 10:11 a.m. on August 5, officers responded to reports of a dispute at Skinner Butte Park on Cheshire Avenue. Callers reported two men fighting and indicated that a baby may have been kidnapped.

When police arrived, they found 55-year-old Anthony Wayne Reed on top of a 74-year-old man. Nearby, a 19-month-old baby was being held by bystanders.

Investigators say the grandfather had been at the park with his grandchild when Reed approached, picked up the baby, and began walking away, claiming he knew the parents and that the child needed help. The grandfather, who did not know Reed, attempted to stop him. Police say Reed then overpowered the man and briefly strangled him before witnesses intervened.

Officers reported that Reed was disorderly and incoherent when contacted. He was arrested and booked into the Lane County Jail on charges of kidnapping, strangulation, and disorderly conduct. He also had an outstanding warrant for failure to appear related to a violation of park rules.

Police said the victim did not require medical attention at the scene. The case number is 25-12582.