Father was hurt stopping the attack as the suspect fled in a white Jeep, deputies said.
CORNELIUS, OR — A Washington County grand jury has indicted Denis Villalobos, 37, on charges stemming from an alleged attempt to kidnap a child from a stroller inside the Walmart on North Adair Street on Dec. 21, deputies said. The child’s father intervened and was injured before the assailant ran from the store and drove away.
Authorities say the case matters now because the indictment moves the investigation from emergency response into the court system, clarifying the allegations and potential penalties. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is leading the case, with help from police in Forest Grove, Hillsboro and Beaverton. Investigators say witnesses and store employees quickly described the suspect and noted a license plate, details that guided officers to a nearby arrest the same night. Prosecutors allege Villalobos used or threatened a knife during the struggle inside the store.
Deputies were called just before 8 p.m. on Dec. 21 to the Walmart at 220 N. Adair St. A 911 caller reported that a man armed with a knife tried to take a child while the family shopped. According to the sheriff’s office, the father stopped the stranger from lifting the child out of the stroller and suffered injuries in the scuffle. During the confrontation, the attacker pulled a knife from a pocket but dropped it before running out of the building, deputies said. The suspect left in a white Jeep as employees and shoppers pointed deputies to the exit and relayed what they saw. “People did the right thing by speaking up fast and giving descriptions,” sheriff’s office spokesperson Danny DiPietro said.
Investigators said witnesses provided a vehicle description and license plate number. Records led deputies to identify the suspect as the Jeep’s registered owner, Villalobos of Cornelius, according to the sheriff’s office. A Forest Grove police officer detained Villalobos a short distance from the store soon after the call and took him to the Washington County Jail. On Dec. 29, a grand jury indicted him on second-degree attempted kidnapping, second-degree assault, fourth-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon and menacing. Officials did not release the severity of the father’s injuries. The child was not taken, and authorities have not alleged injuries to the child. The motive remains unknown, investigators said.
Public records and prior reports show officers from Forest Grove, Hillsboro and Beaverton responded with deputies the night of the call, a common practice when multiple agencies are nearest to a 911 scene. The Walmart sits along North Adair Street in downtown Cornelius, a small city west of Hillsboro. The case drew attention locally because attempted kidnappings inside retail stores are rare and because the alleged attempt occurred during the busy holiday shopping period. Neighbors who recognized the suspect’s name said they were surprised by the allegation; “That’s not something I ever would have thought he would have done,” said Brian Morris, who said he lives nearby.
After the indictment, the case moves to circuit court in Washington County. Jail and court officials did not immediately release information about bail or upcoming hearings. Deputies said detectives are reviewing store security footage and additional witness statements and will submit any new reports to prosecutors. Investigators said any future charging amendments would be handled through the district attorney’s office. Authorities also said they would decide later whether to release additional footage from inside the store as the case proceeds.
People shopping nearby on Dec. 21 described a brief burst of chaos as the confrontation unfolded in a busy aisle. Employees guided customers away from the area and directed deputies toward the doors as the suspect ran, witnesses told reporters outside the store. “It was loud and confusing for a minute, and then he was gone,” said Maria Alvarez, who said she was in a checkout line with her family. A store employee who asked not to be named said the child stayed with the parent while staff contacted 911 and tried to keep shoppers calm until deputies arrived.
As of Saturday, Villalobos remained charged in the Dec. 21 incident and indicted on five counts. Officials said the next major step will be a court appearance to address the indictment and set a schedule for future hearings.
Author note: Last updated January 3, 2026.