Suspect Accused Of Kidnapping, Attempted Assault After Alleged Domestic Incident In Westport: Police

The suspect, a New York man, allegedly attempted to run over the victim with his vehicle, according to authorities.

By Alfred Branch, Patch Staff

Oct 21, 2026 3:45 PM EDT

Port Chester, NY resident Vanderval Ferreira was arrested this week by Westport police in connection with a kidnapping and assault case, authorities said. (Alfred Branch/Patch)

WESTPORT, CT — A Port Chester, New York man, accused of threatening, assaulting and attempting to run over a former romantic partner in Westport, was arrested Tuesday on multiple charges, including first-degree kidnapping and attempted first-degree assault, according to Westport police.

Vanderval Ferreira was charged Oct. 20 following an investigation into an incident that occurred Oct. 15, police said.

According to police, the victim came to police headquarters Oct. 16 to report that they had recently ended a relationship with Ferreira, who allegedly responded by making repeated phone calls and sending threatening text messages over several days.

"These messages included threats to kill the victim," Westport Police Lt. Anthony Prezioso wrote in a statement. "The victim eventually agreed to meet with Ferreira and entered a vehicle that he was operating. Ferreria was reportedly driving extremely erratically through various Westport roads causing the victim to attempt to exit the vehicle in fear. When the victim attempted to exit, Ferreria allegedly began striking them as well as physically restraining them to prevent this from happening. Ferreria reportedly continued driving erratically while this assault was occurring."

Police said Ferreira eventually struck a guardrail while attempting to enter Interstate 95 at Exit 17, causing the vehicle to spin out. The crash allowed the victim to escape from the vehicle and flee.

"While attempting to run from the accident scene, the victim alleged that Ferreira began to drive at them," Prezioso said. "The victim was able to evade him and then reported hiding in the area before ultimately being picked up."

Following an investigation, police obtained an arrest warrant for Ferreira.

On Tuesday, Ferreira, who was already incarcerated in connection with an unrelated matter, was transported to Stamford Superior Court, where the warrant was served.

He was charged with the following:

First-degree kidnapping
Criminal attempt to commit first-degree assault
Third-degree assault
Second-degree threatening
First-degree reckless endangerment
Second-degree harassment

Ferreira is being held in lieu of bail of $500,000, and he is scheduled to appear in Stamford Superior Court on Dec. 15.