Firefighter Arraigned on Assault, Kidnapping Charges

A Newton firefighter was arraigned on charges stemming from an incident in which he allegedly punched his girlfriend several times, threatened to kill her and stole her keys and purse.

Lee Gilliam, 33, was arraigned in Newton District Court on charges of assault and battery on a family or household member, kidnapping, and threatening to commit a crime.

The judge ordered Gilliam to remain in custody until a hearing scheduled on March 5.

“This case concerns allegations about a frightening level of physical violence as well as threats,” said District Attorney Ryan in a press release. “And of particular concern in this case, is a statement the suspect allegedly made about how he could rely on his job as a firefighter to protect him from prosecution.”

According to authorities, on Thursday, Feb. 26, around 8:45 p.m., a woman came to the Newton Police Station to report that she was the victim of domestic violence. She said Gilliam, her boyfriend, had come to her work in Waltham two hours earlier and punched her in the head several times. He also, say authorities, threatened to kill her and abused her when they got home to their Newton apartment. The woman said Gilliam took her keys and purse. She sought help after he fell asleep.

The Waltham Police Department and the Newton Police Department are investigating this incident.