Level 3 Sex Offender Kidnaps Child Near Woburn District Court

A Level 3 sex offender reportedly kidnapped a child near Woburn District Court on Friday.

A man and woman from New Hampshire were at the courthouse on Friday afternoon for a proceeding. They said they allowed a man who they had only known for a day or two to watch their car. Their 20-month-old daughter was inside the vehicle, according to Woburn Police.

When they returned to the vehicle after the proceeding, the car was gone. Police searched for the vehicle and eventually found it 45 minutes later.

Police arrested Victor Baez Jr., 36, of Worcester, and charged him with kidnapping a child, receiving stolen property (a motor vehicle), reckless endangerment of a child with risk of serious injury and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license (subsequent offense).

Police said Baez is a Level 3 sex offender. He is being held at the Woburn Police Department pending arraignment in Woburn District Court.

The child is safe, but she is being evaluated at an area hospital as a precaution. The Department of Children and Families is investigating.

Police said this is an active investigation.