Man arrested on multiple charges after woman screams for help attempting to flee vehicle in southeastern MA

A southeastern Massachusetts man has been arrested on multiple charges after a reported kidnapping.

According to police, on Tuesday at approximately 9:30 a.m., The Marshfield Police Department received a 911 call from Library Plaza reporting a female was attempting to exit a vehicle while screaming for help. She was then pulled back into the vehicle, and it sped off towards Rt 139. Every available unit responded to the area and began a search. Several witnesses at the scene were able to provide a description of the vehicle, its occupants, a partial license plate number and the direction of travel. A BOLO was also transmitted to southeast Massachusetts and all surrounding towns were notified. Additionally, a drone was deployed to search for a possible suspect and victim.

While searching the area, a call was placed to the Marshfield Police Station reporting a vehicle matching that description was observed behind a local business with its doors open and no occupants inside. While responding, officers observed the suspect, later identified as Richard Gardner of Pembroke, walking away from the area. A foot chase ensued during which the suspect was believed to have fled into the woods. A perimeter was set up around the area and officers from Duxbury and Pembroke responded for mutual aid. A Pembroke Police Department K-9, his handler and two Marshfield Police Officers performed a K-9 track through the woods and along Rt 139.

After an extensive search, the suspect was located and placed into custody. The victim was also located shortly thereafter, was checked out and determined to be ok. This was not a random attack as the suspect and victim knew each other.

Gardner was held overnight on $50,000 cash bail.

He will be arraigned later today at Plymouth District Court on the charges of Kidnapping, Unarmed Robbery, Larceny Under $250, Assault and Battery, and Operating a Motor Vehicle with License Revoked.