PLYMOUTH, MASS. (WHDH) - The Plymouth Police Department is commending the work of three men, including a former corrections officer, who stepped in and tackled a man who allegedly tried to kidnap a woman holding a child.
Authorities said it was around 9 a.m. on Friday when the department received multiple calls for “a man chasing a woman down the street with a gun.”
The department said that prior to receiving the calls, a 39-year-old resident had allegedly violated a restraining order by appearing at the home of his estranged wife.
“He grabbed her while she was carrying a baby,” said Jason Higgins, Plymouth Police Department captain. “Witnesses say that he grabbed her by the throat, by the mouth and started dragging her. At that point, neighbors saw this going on.”
According to police, the woman was able to scream and get the attention of another resident and former corrections officer, Jamie Costa, who immediately began to confront the suspect.
At that point, police say the 39-year-old man allegedly pulled a handgun from his waistband. Meanwhile, two brothers who were working nearby, David and Jeffrey “Chili” Williams, stepped in and assisted Costa. One of the Williams brothers, who was licensed to carry, pulled out his weapon while the other helped Costa with tackling and disarming the suspect.
“I yelled at the guy, made him stop. He started running down the street. I started to pursue after him,” Costa said. “Probably right before I tackled him I realized that he had, which I guess, is a gun on him. Just held the gun away from him, myself (and) pointed it in a different direction, made the tackle and just held him on the ground.”
The suspect was taken into custody after Plymouth PD Officer Bobby Hackett arrived to find the Good Samaritans keeping the suspect restrained.
Police said two replica firearms and a stiletto knife were taken from the suspect.
Commending the men who stepped in and Officer Hackett, the department also noted that Costa was previously recognized by the department for bravery after he tackled a man with multiple felonies in 2019 as the suspect was fleeing police.
“You see a woman and a younger kid in trouble, as a man, it’s kind of your responsibility, is how I was taught, to help out so I just helped out,” Costa said.
The department said the suspect in this incident has since been charged with:
- Violation of a restraining order
- Assault and battery on a family member
- Kidnapping
- Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
- Reckless Endangerment of a Child
The victim in asked for privacy Friday night. Her friend spoke on her behalf, though, saying she’s still recovering and grateful for those who stepped in when she needed them.
“Anybody would feel a little bit on edge but she’s doing well,” the friend, Nicole Young, said. “She’s strong. She’s a good mom. Her kids are her babies so that’s really all she thinks about.”
The suspect is expected to be held in jail over the weekend before going before a judge.
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