Tempe police seek tips in alleged Halloween kidnapping case

Tempe police are asking potential witnesses and people who believe they encountered Mach Kim to contact investigators in a case involving an alleged kidnapping and sexual assault. Police said they believe there may be additional victims who have not come forward; reports do not confirm that another victim has been identified.

Kim was arrested Nov. 5, 2026, and faces charges of aggravated assault, kidnapping, sexual assault and sexual abuse. The allegations have not been adjudicated. Reports place the alleged incident at about 2:30 a.m. on Oct. 31 near Eighth Street and Dorsey Lane in Tempe; the woman was later dropped near McClintock and University drives.

Investigative details reported in the case i

Arizona’s Family and ABC15 reported that court documents describe investigators using the woman’s phone location data and camera footage to identify a white Dodge Ram registered to Kim. Investigators also collected DNA from a cup Kim allegedly discarded. Police said the DNA matched DNA from the woman’s sexual-assault examination kit; that reported investigative claim is not a finding of guilt.

Reports say searches found six pairs of women’s underwear in Kim’s vehicle and 13 pairs at his Chandler home. Seven of the 13 pairs at the home reportedly had sticky notes bearing names and dates—slightly more than half. The reported inventory does not establish that the items belonged to other victims or were connected to other crimes.

Reported court dates and how to contact police i

FOX 10 reported a $50,000 cash-only bond, with electronic monitoring and other restrictions if Kim is released. ABC15 later reported a status conference set for Nov. 13, 2026, as his next court date. FOX 10 had earlier reported a preliminary hearing scheduled for Nov. 16. The reports do not establish whether the Nov. 16 setting remains scheduled.

People who believe they encountered Kim or have other relevant information can call Tempe police at 480-350-8311. The city lists that number as the department’s non-emergency line.