10-year-old girl kidnapped from home in the middle of the night, then found alive, tied up in a closet

A 10-year-old girl was kidnapped from her Oregon home in the middle of the night, then found tied up in a closet about 13 hours later in “a family’s worst nightmare,” authorities say.

Violet Hay was kidnapped from her home in Canby around 1:47 a.m. Wednesday by a demon who hit her 12-year-old sister in the head with a hammer, according to KGW.

A SWAT team later found her tied up at a residence about 9 miles away in Oregon City, where they arrested the suspect, Vince Edgar Chavez.

“Folks, I have great news: We found her safe and sound,” Canby Police Chief Jose Gonzalez announced to applause, about 13 hours after her abduction.

“As a parent, I was anxious…I’m so happy we found her alive and well.”

He did not provide further information, including whether Chavez was known to Hay’s family. However, the initial 911 call referred to the kidnapper as an “unknown male.”

Chris Owens, Clackamas County’s chief deputy prosecutor, called it “a family’s worst nightmare.”

“A young child … was taken by force. Her sister was violently attacked,” he said of Hays’ sister, who was being treated at a local hospital.

Chávez has not yet been charged with any crime. Owens said the case would be referred to the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office to determine what charges could be filed, KATU reported.

The girls’ parents cooperated with investigators as they canvassed the neighborhood and collected surveillance footage from nearby cameras.

Chavez’s roommate told KATU he was taking a shower when police burst into his home.

The man said he had no idea his roommate was hiding the girl inside, adding that he was disgusted and devastated by the ordeal.

He said Chavez showed no worrying signs before the alleged kidnapping.