Salem, OR. — Official Release: Salem Police officers arrested a man on the evening of August 5, for his involvement in a missing child investigation.
Just after 5 p.m. on Tuesday, the parents of an 11‑year‑old girl reported she was missing from their home in the area of Lansing and Kathleen AVS NE. Officers canvassed the neighborhood, including parks and businesses. A police bloodhound was deployed, and the area searched for potential surveillance video.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., a detective and officer canvassing on foot near Evergreen and Chester AVS NE were waved down by a neighbor who reported suspicious activity close by. The neighbor learned of the missing child earlier in the evening and took a walk through the neighborhood to help in the search.
The officers located Elijah Galaviz Arce with the missing child in a secluded area covered by shrubbery. Arce was arrested without incident.
Detectives determined the 38-year-old Arce lured the child from their residence. The girl was outside the home when Arce convinced her to leave with him.
Arce, who has no known Salem address, was lodged at the Marion County Jail on the following charges:
- Kidnapping, first-degree
- Attempted rape, first-degree
- Unlawful delivery of a controlled substance to a minor
“Although the child was physically uninjured, the circumstances of the case are concerning,” said Deputy Chief Debra Aguilar who oversees the Investigations Division. The incident remains an open investigation as detectives believe there may be other victims. Arce has a significant criminal history including prior sexual offenses. A picture of Arce and a distinctive shirt he was wearing is attached. Anyone with information about Arce or this investigation is urged to contact the Salem Police Tip Line at 503‑588‑8477.
“The child was found thanks to a concerned community member,” explained Aguilar. She added, “Neighbors in the area were instrumental. They helped by providing home security footage, as well as taking the time to walk their blocks to look for her.”
The request for extra eyes was published on the Salem Police Department Facebook page and to residences in the vicinity via Nextdoor. Assistance was also provided by Salem-Keizer Public Schools who published the information to families and faculty in that part of the district.
The Keizer Police Department and Marion County Sheriff’s Office also provided essential assistance by covering calls for service, allowing all available Salem Police officers to conduct the search.
Aguilar expressed thanks for the outcome of the case sharing, “We are grateful to the community and to our partners who all played crucial roles in finding the child and, ultimately, apprehending the suspect.”
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