Aug. 28, 2017
For Immediate Release
Contact: Paul Jarvey (508) 368-7241
WORCESTER — A Worcester man was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing after being charged with kidnapping a 7-year-old girl early Sunday morning, abducting her, choking her around the neck, then exiting his vehicle and throwing her into Lake Quinsigamond, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.
The girl survived the fall, swam to shore and sought help at a nearby home on the Shrewsbury side of the lake. That set off an investigation by Shrewsbury and Worcester Police as well as the State Police Detectives assigned to the District Attorney’s Office. The girl suffered visible, but not life-threatening, injuries.
Joshua J. Hubert, 35, of 3 Bernice St., was arrested at the Worcester Police station and charged with kidnapping the girl about 2:30 a.m. Sunday from a family cookout in Worcester. Mr. Hubert was reported to have been a guest at the cookout.
Judge Janet J. McGuiggan scheduled the dangerousness hearing for Thursday. Assistant district attorneys Cheryl Riddle and Lina Pashou are prosecuting the case.
“Fortunately, a greater tragedy was averted,” Mr. Early said. “The young victim had the strength to make it to shore and get help. I want to thank the resident who answered the door and helped the girl. I also want to acknowledge the Worcester and Shrewsbury police and the State Police Detectives assigned to my office. They did a terrific job working together in investigating this case.”