NEWTON, MASS. (WHDH) - Newton police have issued a warrant for David Collignon for assault and battery on a disabled person they believe he kidnapped.
Police are looking for 62-year-old Beth Birnbaum, who they said has a traumatic brain injury and needs medication. Police believe she is with 55-year-old David Collignon, who they are calling a “kidnapping suspect.”
Staff from CareOne called police at around 2 p.m. Tuesday when they saw Birnbaum’s wheelchair sitting unattended outside. Police said she is not allowed to sign herself out and had not been signed out. Staff told police that Collignon was seen taking some of her clothing from the facility earlier in the day.
According to police, Birnbaum and Collignon knew each other and spent time together. Police do not know why Collignon took her but even if he thought he was acting on her behalf, they said they fear he may not be able to take care of her medical needs.
Collignon was last seen driving a gray 2015 Honda Fit. The car has a Massachusetts license plate number of 744 YR1.
CareOne released a statement on Wednesday:
“CareOne at Newton is working closely with local and state police to locate and secure the safety and well-being of Beth Birnbaum. Due to the Center’s obligations under patient privacy laws, the Center is prohibited from sharing any protected health information about Ms. Birnbaum. As a result, the Center cannot discuss the status of this resident, or any other under our care, and thus will not provide additional information in responses to media inquiries at this time.”
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