State Police trooper charged with kidnapping, domestic violence

"Crime Joseph Ward allegedly shoved his then-girlfriend to the floor, charged at her with fists full of kitchen knives, and refused to let her leave their apartment. A Massachusetts State Police trooper has been relieved of duty after he was charged with kidnapping and assaulting his then-girlfriend. Joseph Ward, 25, was ordered held without bail Wednesday pending a Feb. 2 dangerousness hearing. He has pleaded not guilty to kidnapping, domestic assault and battery, aggravated witness intimidation, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon."

"According to charging documents, the woman said Ward confronted her around 5 p.m. and told her he wanted to have a "serious" conversation about their relationship. She reportedly told police she was waiting for the right moment to break up with Ward but that she was hesitant to engage with him that night due to prior "episodes" of physical and emotional abuse. The woman was scheduled to work a midnight shift with the Barnstable Police Department, but Ward allegedly demanded she call in sick."

Joseph Ward allegedly shoved his then-girlfriend to the floor, charged at her with kitchen knives, and refused to let her leave their Plymouth apartment during a Jan. 10 confrontation. Ward, 25, a Massachusetts State Police trooper, was relieved of duty and ordered held without bail pending a Feb. 2 dangerousness hearing. He has pleaded not guilty to kidnapping, domestic assault and battery, aggravated witness intimidation, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. The woman said Ward confronted her about their relationship around 5 p.m., pressured her to call in sick for a midnight shift, and became erratic as she packed a bag. She said he blocked the door, she pleaded for more than an hour, texted an emergency contact, and he "began to snap" when he saw the text. Ward's attorney denies the allegations and contends police arrested him based solely on an unrecorded interview with the accuser 18 days later without corroboration.

Read at Boston.com