Police Arrest Suspect After Kidnapping of Vulnerable Woman in Portland

Portland, Ore. – A 22-year-old woman was found safe after being kidnapped in Portland’s Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood, and a suspect has been arrested, authorities said.

The incident occurred on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. East Precinct officers responded to a report of a kidnapping in progress at about 11:20 a.m. in the 14800 block of Southeast Gladstone Street. The victim, who lives in a group home, is developmentally delayed and functions at the level of a 5-year-old, according to police.

Witnesses provided a description of the suspect’s vehicle, a white Dodge truck, and officers began searching the area. The victim was located about 20 minutes later in the 15100 block of Southeast Gladstone Street. She did not have visible injuries but was taken to a hospital for evaluation.

Detectives from the Special Victims Unit were notified, and investigators determined the victim had been sexually assaulted.

At 12:56 p.m., officers located the suspect’s vehicle in the Sellwood neighborhood. The suspect, Robert Joseph Bryant, 68, was arrested shortly afterward. Bryant is facing charges including second-degree kidnapping, first-degree sexual abuse, third-degree sexual abuse, attempted second-degree assault, and unlawful use of a weapon.

Chief Bob Day commended the officers and detectives for their quick response, stating, “While I wish this crime had not occurred, I’m grateful the suspect was apprehended before causing further harm.”