Man Arrested In Attempted Abduction Of Worcester Teens Held On $500K Bail
WORCESTER (CBS) -- A man arrested Thursday for allegedly assaulting three teenage girls as they were walking to school Wednesday morning was arraigned in Worcester District Court Thursday afternoon.
Fredy Cruz, 23, of Worcester, was held on $500,000 bail. He is charged with three counts of kidnapping, three counts of assault and battery, and enticing a child under 16.
Police say Cruz grabbed two 15-year-old girls and one 14-year-old from behind near Apricot Street. He allegedly hid in a wooded area, sneaking up on the girls and trying to drag them into the woods.
In one of the incidents, Cruz allegedly stopped and told the girl, "You're coming with me." The girl told police she refused, and the man grabbed her. She said she punched him several times, and he ran away into a nearby wooded area.
Each incident occurred between 7:30a.m. and 8:15a.m.
On Thursday, police spotted Cruz in the same area where the incidents were reported. He was wearing the same clothes described by the girls. Cruz allegedly admitted to being involved in the three incidents.
Police said Cruz had rope, duct tape, pliers, a drill, and several cell phones in his backpack when he was arrested.
Cruz is a native of El Salvador who has lived in Worcester for 14 years. He was provided an interpreter, as he only speaks Spanish.
The judge allowed the defense's request for Cruz to stay out of view of cameras in court.
