MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Chief Todd Fitzgerald reports that the Manchester-by-the-Sea Police Department, with assistance from multiple agencies, responded to an incident involving a domestic dispute and a suspect who fled on foot with a child.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, Manchester-by-the-Sea Police responded to a residence on Summer Street for a report of a domestic incident. A male suspect had fled the scene on foot with his 5-year-old daughter.
The Manchester-by-the-Sea Police Department requested assistance from the Massachusetts State Police K-9 Unit, which dispatched two K-9 teams, and the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, which also provided two K-9 teams.
A Massachusetts State Police K-9 tracked the suspect behind Manchester-Essex Regional High School into a nearby cemetery. The suspect was located behind a tombstone, covered in leaves, with the 5-year-old child.
The suspect sustained minor injuries while being taken into custody and was transported by Manchester-by-the-Sea Fire Department to Beverly Hospital for evaluation. The 5-year-old child was unharmed and was safely reunited with her mother.
The suspect is facing multiple charges, including:
- Domestic Assault and Battery
- Assault and Battery of a Child Under 14
- Reckless Endangerment of a Child
- Carrying a Dangerous Weapon
- Parental Kidnapping
- Possession of Class B and E Drugs
Once released from the hospital, the suspect will be transported to the Manchester-by-the-Sea Police Department for booking and will be arraigned tomorrow, Monday Dec. 16th, at Salem District Court.
Chief Fitzgerald expressed his gratitude to the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, the Massachusetts State Police K-9 Unit, Essex Police, and the Manchester-by-the-Sea Fire Department for their assistance in this incident.
“There is no threat to the public at this time, and we are relieved that the child was safely located and reunited with her mother,” said Chief Fitzgerald.
This incident remains under investigation by the Manchester-by-the-Sea Police Department.
