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Man Posing as Utility Worker Indicted After Alleged Attempted Kidnapping in Medford

Body‑camera footage released by the sheriff's office accompanies a grand jury indictment that charges the suspect with attempted kidnapping and related offenses.

Overview

  • A 42‑year‑old man identified as Matthew Hokulii Aranda is accused of posing as a utility worker to attack a 25‑year‑old caregiver at a Medford mobile‑home park on May 8, according to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
  • An unidentified 85‑year‑old resident confronted the assailant and is credited by police with creating the chance for the victim to flee into her car.
  • Body‑camera video and police reports show the suspect allegedly used a taser, chased the woman with a large hunting knife, jumped onto her car hood as she drove away, and was later found hiding in nearby bushes with a broken leg.
  • A grand jury on May 14 returned an indictment that includes counts of attempted first‑degree kidnapping, assault, stalking, unlawful use of a weapon and related charges, and the case remains under investigation.
  • Local reporting notes Aranda has a 2016 conviction tied to crimes involving a 16‑year‑old, and authorities have not publicly disclosed the medical conditions of the victim or the elderly Good Samaritan as the prosecution prepares next steps.