Crime & Safety
Man Arrested for Attempting to Kidnap Teen Girls Had Drill, Duct Tape On Him
Three girls reported being accosted in Worcester on Wednesday. The man was found the next day with rope, duct tape, drill, and pliers.
WORCESTER, MA — A man arrested in connection with incidents where three girls reported being accosted on their way to school Wednesday morning reportedly had rope, duct tape, pliers, and a drill in his backpack.
Fredy Cruz, 23, 5 Hacker St., Worcester, has been charged with three counts each of kidnapping and assault and battery, and one count of enticing a child under 16.
Cruz was found near the school on Thursday morning carrying the items in a backpack, reports the Telegram and Gazette. He also had cell phones and water bottles in the backpack, reports WHDH.
A 15-year-old female student at South High School reported that at approximately 7:30 a.m. a man ran up behind her while walking in the area of Apricot Street and grabbed her from behind. She said the man fled the area after she resisted.
In another incident, a 14-year-old eighth grader at Sullivan Middle School reported that a male had approached her while she walked on Apricot Street around 8:15 a.m. The male allegedly stopped her and stated, “You’re coming with me.” The girl said after she refused, the man grabbed her arms. The female reported that she punched the male several times before he ran away, and he was last seen running into the nearby wooded area.
The third alleged victim reported the incident at the end of the school day.
Cruz appeared in court Thursday and was held on $500,000 bail, reports WHDH-TV, Channel 7 News.
Police said they saw a man wearing clothing that was described a day earlier in the alleged incident, and when interviewed, admitted he was involved.
This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.
Photo via WHDH, 7-News
