Vineyard Haven man allegedly attacks Townsend officer trying to escape holding cell
A Vineyard Haven man who was brought back to a holding cell on several arrest warrants allegedly attacked a Townsend police officer while trying to escape over the weekend, police said in a statement. Police Chief Robert Eaton said this incident is an example of why support for a pre-arraignment countywide lockup facility in Middlesex is needed.On Saturday afternoon, police received a report to watch out for a man who had walked away from a drug treatment center and could be a danger to himself. Police said they found the suspect, later identified as Ian Bardwell, 21, and discovered he had three arrest warrants for operating under the influence with serious bodily injury and negligent operation of a motor vehicle in Tewksbury; protective order violation in Tewksbury; and assault and battery in Tisbury.Bardwell was arrested and ordered held without bail for three nights at the police department. He complained of several ailments during the weekend and was taken to two separate hospitals, where he was cleared to return to the department each time, according to police.As the 21-year-old was being brought back to the holding cell after the second hospital visit, he allegedly attacked Officer George Reidy and tried to strangle him. Bardwell allegedly grabbed Reidy’s taser and tried to use it on the officer but was unable to operate the device, police said.Bardwell allegedly tried to escape but was restrained and returned to the holding cell. Reidy was taken to a local hospital for treatment of serious but nonlife-threatening injuries, according to police.
The Middlesex District Attorney’s office said Bardwell was arraigned in Ayer District Court Wednesday on charges of attempted murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation, and escaping from a municipal lockup. He was ordered held without bail and is expected back in court on Friday.
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