Mother Heard ‘Honey I’m Here,’ Then an Intruder Attempted to Rape Her While She Was Holding Her Baby: Police

A man has been arrested in connection with a shocking home invasion in Portland, Oregon, during which he allegedly assaulted a woman in front of her two young children. The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Judson C. Defir, is facing serious charges, including attempted rape and kidnapping, and is currently being held without bail as the investigation progresses.

Authorities responded to the incident shortly after it occurred on Sunday, March 15, at approximately 11:30 am. Upon arrival, police learned that Defir had entered the victim’s home and subsequently forced her into a room where he assaulted her. Remarkably, the woman managed to distance herself from the suspect, who subsequently fled the scene. Officers located Defir shortly thereafter and took him into custody.

Defir has been charged with first-degree attempted rape, first-degree kidnapping, and has outstanding warrants. He has been remanded to the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) as law enforcement officials work to fully understand the extent of his alleged crimes.

The victim, who has been named as Grace Harrison, revealed to police that she had heard footsteps in her home while holding one of her children. At that moment, her husband was outside performing yard work. Defir is reported to have called out to Harrison, saying, “Honey, I’m here,” before approaching her. As she attempted to shield her 3-year-old child, Defir allegedly grabbed her and forced her into a guest bedroom, where he demanded she lay face down on the bed while she held her 10-month-old baby.

In a desperate attempt to protect her children, Harrison pleaded with the assailant to allow her to place the baby in a crib, to which he reluctantly consented. Once she had secured the infant, Harrison managed to barricade herself and her 3-year-old child in another room, using a bookcase as a barrier. During this time, she yelled for her husband and neighbours to come to her aid, which prompted Defir to flee the residence.

Court documents have revealed that Defir is not only accused of this assault but is also linked to multiple incidents in the area. He is suspected of having assaulted a total of four women, with reports indicating a possible fifth victim. Prior to the home invasion, Defir allegedly entered a nearby church where he inappropriately touched a woman before making his escape.

As investigations continue, further charges may be pending against Defir. According to local news sources, he is being detained without the possibility of bail while awaiting a detention hearing.

Portland Police Chief Bob Day commented on the distressing series of events, expressing solidarity with the victims affected by these attacks. He remarked, “Our thoughts are with the women who experienced these frightening incidents. We are grateful for their courage in coming forward. I also want to recognise the swift and coordinated response of our patrol officers and detectives, whose quick actions helped apprehend the suspect and bring a sense of safety back to the neighbourhood.”

This case has raised significant concern among residents, highlighting issues of safety and community vigilance. The ongoing investigation is drawing attention from local law enforcement, who are working diligently to ensure that justice is served and to prevent further incidents.

As the community grapples with the implications of this incident, calls for increased awareness and preventative measures are being echoed among residents. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information related to Defir or similar incidents to come forward, as they continue to bolster safety protocols in the area.

This unsettling event not only highlights the importance of community engagement and swift law enforcement action but also underscores the need for continued support for victims of crime. Portland police have reiterated their commitment to providing resources and assistance to those impacted by such incidents as they work to restore a sense of security within the community.