SALEM, Ore. — A Salem man is in custody after police located a missing 11-year-old girl with him in a secluded area Monday evening, August 5.
The girl had been reported missing just after 5 p.m. from her home near Lansing and Kathleen Avenues NE. Salem Police launched a large-scale search, including canvassing neighborhoods, reviewing surveillance footage, and deploying a bloodhound.
Around 8:30 p.m., a neighbor flagged down officers near Evergreen and Chester Avenues NE to report suspicious activity. The neighbor, who had learned of the missing child earlier, took it upon himself to search the area. Officers soon discovered Elijah Galaviz Arce, 38, hiding with the child in thick shrubbery. He was arrested without incident.
Investigators believe Arce lured the child away from her home. Though physically unharmed, the girl was found in troubling circumstances. Arce, who has no known address in Salem and a criminal history including prior sex offenses, was booked into Marion County Jail on charges of first-degree kidnapping, attempted rape, and unlawful delivery of a controlled substance to a minor.
Deputy Chief Debra Aguilar credited the safe recovery to the public’s help, saying, “Neighbors were instrumental—providing home video footage and walking their blocks to search.”
Police urge anyone with information about Arce or additional victims to call the Salem Police Tip Line at 503‑588‑8477.
The case remains under active investigation.
