TIGARD, Ore. — Police arrested a man suspected of kidnapping a 7-year-old boy in Tigard Wednesday evening.
On March 16 at 7:30 p.m., the boy was playing outside his apartment complex, The Fields on Southwest Hunziker Road Street, while his mom watched him from inside the apartment.
Tigard police said 56-year-old James Harman grabbed the boy and locked him inside his own apartment. The boy's mom and neighbors kicked down the locked door. Police said the man ran out the back door with the boy, but "the child was ultimately let go."
"I noticed that he was starting to lure the kid inside his apartment, and so I ran down and I was like screaming for another neighbor to get him," witness Amanda Terpening said. "And when we finally got to the back door it was just closing and the door locked."
Based on evidence, investigators believe Harman intended to hurt the boy.
"Times are changing times are not like before, when we can just let our kids be out to have fun," neighbor Pedro Fernandez said. "Unfortunately there’s people like him that we have to keep an eye on too."
Harman is charged with first-degree kidnapping, but Tigard police said additional charges may be pending. He was taken to the Washington County Jail where he will remain in custody pending arraignment.
He is scheduled to appear in court at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 17.
"We recognize the tremendous impact an investigation like this can have on the community’s feeling of safety," said Tigard police in a news release. "We are thankful that serious crimes against children are extremely rare in Tigard. We are also grateful for the quick-actions and watchful eyes of the mother and neighbors involved in this situation."
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