Taunton man facing several charges after being accused of kidnapping, attempted rape at cemetery

Chief Edward J. Walsh reports that the Taunton Police Department have arrested a Taunton man on several charges, including attempted rape, in connection with an incident in Mayflower Hill Cemetery on Saturday.

Just before 2:45 p.m., Taunton Police were dispatched after receiving multiple reports of a possible rape at the Mayflower Hill Cemetery, 235 Broadway.

During the initial investigation Taunton Police learned that an assailant had attacked a woman in the cemetery, forced her to leave cemetery property with him, then fled on foot. Officers set up staging and performed a comprehensive search of the area around the cemetery, assisted by the Raynham Police Department and the Raynham K-9 Unit.

The victim was transported by Brewster Ambulance to an area hospital for treatment of her injuries and was released.

A subsequent investigation identified the assailant as 21-year-old William Perez of Taunton. Taunton Police arrested Perez at his home on Broadway on Sunday.

Perez is charged with Indecent Assault and Battery on a Person Age 14 or Over, Assault and Battery With a Dangerous Weapon, Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, Assault With Intent To Commit Rape, and Kidnapping

Perez is scheduled to be arraigned in Taunton District Court on Monday.

Chief Walsh recognized the detectives of the Investigative Services Division for their professionalism and hard work on this case, and thanks the Raynham Police Department for its assistance.