Mass. state trooper accused of assault and kidnapping, threatening girlfriend with knives and gun

Trooper Joseph Ward appeared in Plymouth District Court on Tuesday on charges of kidnapping, witness intimidation, assault and battery, as well as two counts of battery with a dangerous weapon.

According to the criminal complaint, Ward and the victim, who were in a serious romantic relationship, were at their home around 5 p.m. on January 10.

Prosecutors allege that Ward wanted to have a serious conversation that the victim did not want to pursue and that she intended to end the relationship.

The victim was scheduled to work that evening but was allegedly forced by Ward to call, according to the complaint.

The victim told police the argument escalated and Ward blocked the apartment’s exit, preventing her from leaving. She said she spent about an hour begging him to let her go.

During this time, the victim contacted her emergency contact and told her she was in danger, according to the complaint. Prosecutors say Ward saw the text message and became enraged, throwing furniture.

Ward’s anger continued to escalate, prosecutors said, alleging he grabbed the victim by the arms, pushed her onto a couch and then onto the floor.

The victim told police that Ward then picked up six knives from the kitchen and approached her. She said she became so frightened that she fainted and fell to the ground.

According to the complaint, Ward then grabbed a pistol, loaded a magazine into the gun and placed the holster on his belt while continuing to yell for the victim not to leave.

The victim told police she ran away when Ward became distracted, but he chased her, dragged her by the legs and brought her back into the apartment.

Prosecutors say Ward later blamed the victim for the confrontation and insisted she get in a car with him, which she did. The victim’s emergency contact followed, stopped behind the vehicle and was able to help defuse the situation.

The victim was then able to leave and go to his parents’ home. Since the incident, she said she received several phone calls from a blocked number and saw vehicles similar to Ward’s personal car, according to prosecutors.

Ward’s attorney said his client has no criminal record and poses no risk to the accuser. He also claimed the victim’s statements to police were blatantly false, alleging she continued a relationship with Ward after the incident and met him again. The lawyer said cellphone records would support that claim.

Ward was held without bail pending his next court appearance on February 2. The victim was granted a 30-day extension to her restraining order.

Boston 25 has contacted the Massachusetts State Police about the charges, and we are awaiting a response.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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