SALEM, OR – Police in Oregon arrested a man last week who allegedly lured an 11-year-old girl away from her home.
Just after 5 p.m. on August 5, the parents of an 11-year-old girl reported her missing from their home in the area of Lansing Avenue NE and Kathleen Avenue NE. Officers searched the neighborhood, including parks and businesses, and deployed a police bloodhound. Authorities also sought potential surveillance video.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., a detective and officer canvassing the area were approached by a neighbor reporting suspicious activity nearby. The neighbor, aware of the missing child, had been walking the neighborhood to assist in the search.
The officers located Elijah Galaviz Arce, 48, with the missing girl in a secluded, shrub-covered area. Arce was arrested without incident.
Detectives determined Arce lured the child from her residence while she was outside. Arce has no known address and was booked into the Marion County Jail on charges of first-degree kidnapping, first-degree attempted rape, and unlawful delivery of a controlled substance to a minor.
Deputy Chief Debra Aguilar said the child was physically uninjured but called the case concerning. Detectives believe there may be other victims, noting Arce’s significant criminal history, including prior sexual offenses.
Police thanked community members who assisted in the search by providing home security footage and walking their neighborhoods. The Salem Police Department had shared the missing child’s information via Facebook and Nextdoor, and Salem-Keizer Public Schools notified families in the area.
Police say investigation into Arce remains open.
