Taunton man charged with kidnapping, attempted rape
TAUNTON, Mass. (WLNE) — The Taunton Police Department said they arrested a man on several charges including attempted rape on Saturday.
Police said 21-year-old William Perez of Taunton was charged with the following:
- Indecent assault and battery on a person age 14 or older
- Assault and battery with a dangerous weapon
- Assault with a dangerous weapon
- Assault with intent to commit rape
- Kidnapping
According to police records, on Saturday at about 2:41 p.m., Taunton police were dispatched after multiple calls reporting a possible rape at the Mayflower Hill Cemetery.
During their investigation, police said they learned the assailant had attacked a woman in the cemetery, forced her to leave with him and then fled on foot.
Police said they staged the general area of the cemetery and began a search with assistance from the Raynham police K-9 unit.
Officials said the victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment to her injuries and was later released.
A subsequent investigation lead to identifying Perez as the assailant. He was arrested in his home on Broadway.
Perez is scheduled to be arraigned in Taunton District Court on Monday.
No further information was immediately released.
