Somerset man arrested after attempted kidnapping in Swansea

SWANSEA — Lt. Mark Foley reports that the Swansea Police Department arrested and charged a man with attempted kidnapping Friday afternoon.

60-year-old Michael Nutbrown of Somerset was arrested and charged with Attempted Kidnapping. He is expected to be arraigned Monday, at Fall River District Court.

On Thursday, at approximately 2:45 p.m., Swansea Police were notified about an incident in which a man, operating a four-door dark blue sedan, allegedly attempted to lure two 13-year-old girls into his car behind a local store.

The man, later identified by police as Nutbrown, allegedly approached the two girls as they walked down the bicycle path on Milford Road, behind the Target store on G.A.R. Highway, asking them if they wanted a ride. The girls asked Nutbrown to repeat his comments. He then allegedly offered the girls a ride again, and the girls ran away.

Minutes earlier, security cameras captured Nutbrown parked at Target. He exited his vehicle, removed items from the front and back seats and placed them in the trunk. Investigators believe he did this to make room for the girls. He then walked away from the vehicle multiple times and stared down the road as the girls walked closer toward his vehicle.

On Friday, through their investigation, Swansea Police identified Nutbrown as the suspect and obtained an arrest warrant.

Swansea Police served the arrest warrant at his home on County Street in Somerset Friday afternoon, and he was taken into custody by Swansea Police without incident.

“This was fantastic teamwork between our Patrol and Detective division in identifying this suspect and placing him under arrest,” said Lt. Mark Foley. “We would also like to commend these brave young girls for doing the right thing and avoiding a stranger who approached them and then telling a trusted adult about the situation. In addition, we would like to take this time to remind the public, especially parents with children, to travel in groups, there is safety in numbers, and stick together. Do not accept a ride with anyone who is a stranger and keep your distance if an incident such as this arises. If you find yourself in such a situation, make noise, draw attention, and run to a trusted adult.”