Naked Man Attempts to Kidnap 7-Year-Old Girl in Oregon Park, Rescued by Family and Bystanders

A disturbing incident unfolded last weekend at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, Oregon, when a fully naked man tried to forcibly abduct a 7-year-old girl during a family outing. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Daniel Wasi, grabbed the child’s arm and began dragging her away from her mother. The mother bravely fought back, holding onto her daughter’s other arm, resulting in a violent struggle that lifted the girl off the ground.

The commotion drew the father and several bystanders who intervened, striking Wasi and using pepper spray to subdue him. Under this pressure, Wasi released the girl and fled toward the nearby Willamette River. Police arrived about 12 minutes after the initial emergency calls and arrested Wasi while he was swimming in the river, apparently trying to escape or wash off the pepper spray.

The girl was treated on-site by paramedics for minor scratches and bruises sustained during the struggle and did not require hospital transport. Wasi was charged with first- and second-degree attempted kidnapping, third-degree assault, harassment, and custody interference. The incident sparked public outrage, particularly due to the police’s delayed response, as officers were reportedly occupied with other calls when the first reports of a naked man acting threateningly in the park were received.

Authorities continue to investigate the case, while the community reflects on the quick actions of the family and bystanders that prevented a potential tragedy.