Wanted Providence man arrested after allegedly assaulting woman with knife, stealing her vehicle

WEBSTER, Mass. (WLNE) — A wanted man from Providence was arrested after he allegedly assaulted a woman with a knife and stole her vehicle on April 13, according to the Webster Police Department.

36-year-old Lamech Cotton was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, larceny of a motor vehicle, assault and battery on a family/household member, and witness intimidation.

Just after 8 p.m. on April 13, officers were dispatched to an apartment on Prospect Street for reports of a disturbance involving a knife.

According to Webster police, the victim told officers that Cotton allegedly “held a knife to her face before striking her with the flat side of the knife until it broke.” When the victim attempted to get away, Cotton allegedly slapped her in the face and punched her until neighbors were able to pull him away.

Cotton then allegedly stole her vehicle and left the area. Once first responders arrived, they were able to treat the victims facial injuries.

Later in the day, Cotton returned to the apartment in the stolen vehicle. When officers attempted to approach the defendant, Webster police said he fled the scene and caused a foot pursuit.

During the pursuit, Cotton attempted to jump over a fence and tripped, allowing police to arrest the defendant.

Additionally, Webster police said the defendant had an active arrest warrant for charges of fugitive from justice on a court warrant and assault and battery on a family/household member.