Oregon Man Arrested After Trapping and Assaulting Elderly Woman for Three Days Over Christmas

 

A 69-year-old man, Kenneth Gregory Williams, has been arrested in Oregon after allegedly offering to help an elderly woman with her groceries, only to trap her inside her home and assault her over the course of three days during Christmas.

The incident occurred on December 23 when Williams approached the 74-year-old woman as she was returning home from the grocery store in downtown Portland. After she stopped to rest from the weight of her bags, Williams, who she initially believed was a kind stranger, offered to carry the groceries the rest of the way.

Once inside her home, however, Williams allegedly barricaded the door, trapping her inside. Over the next three days, from December 23 to December 25, Williams is accused of repeatedly assaulting the woman. She was only able to convince him to leave on December 26, when she sought medical treatment at a local hospital.

Portland Police Department spokesperson Mike Benner expressed the shock and horror surrounding the case, noting, “These cases are incredibly rare, but of course they can happen. We can't imagine what this woman went through. It's horrifying, terrifying, you name it.”

Authorities quickly launched an investigation, and on January 5, they located Williams and arrested him on multiple charges, including first-degree burglary, first-degree kidnapping, and three counts of first-degree assault.

In addition to this case, detectives are also investigating Williams for an unrelated assault and believe there may be more victims. Williams’ mugshot has been released to the public as investigators encourage anyone with information or additional victims to come forward.

Williams appeared in Multnomah County Circuit Court on January 8, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. He is scheduled for arraignment on January 14.

This disturbing case has raised concerns in the community, especially among those who walk alone in downtown Portland.

Williams has a history of legal troubles, with previous arrests dating back to 1994, including charges for harassment, menacing, coercion, and tampering with a witness. He was arrested again in 2014 for misdemeanor harassment.

Authorities are urging anyone with further information about Williams or the case to contact Detective Michael Bledsoe.