Man Charged With Trying To Kidnap 11-Year-Old Girl In Worcester
WORCESTER (CBS) – A Hudson man is charged with trying to kidnap an 11-year-old girl in Worcester over the weekend. Andrew Merriam, 51, was arraigned Monday and held on $1,000 bail.
Police said Merriam and another man approached the girl outside Jay's Food Mart on Vernon Street just before 8 p.m. Sunday.
"This individual asked her to stop, asked if she wanted to see her dog, grabbed that person by the arm, preventing her from leaving," said prosecutor Dennon Stacer. "She was able to kick him in the legs. She was able to get away from him, running inside the convenience store."
Authorities said she was not hurt.
"When I came outside it was surrounded by police officers," said neighbor Dheny Siqueira. "There were cruisers running up and down the street looking for the suspect."
The 11-year-old gave police a description of the man, later identified as Merriam, and an officer eventually spotted him outside Kelly Square Pizza where he was arrested. Police said he was "agitated and uncooperative."
Merriam was charged with enticing a child and assault and battery. In court, a not guilty plea was entered on his behalf.
Merriam appeared agitated in court. "How do I get an opportunity to talk to the judge? Your honor, your honor," he said during his video conference. The court clerk told him to talk with his defense attorney instead.
His defense attorney said he denies the accusations. "When I spoke to him he said the only thing he did was say, 'how you doing kiddo?' Just a verbal exchange and that was it," said his attorney.
Police said they were unable to locate the second suspect.