Man who allegedly attacked 2 women in Haverhill held without bail, facing assault charges

A 23-year-old man who allegedly attacked and seriously injured two women as they walked their dogs in Haverhill on Wednesday afternoon was held without bail Thursday at his arraignment on assault charges.

Jake Kavanaugh, of Haverhill, pleaded not guilty in Haverhill District Court to armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and mayhem and negligent operation of a motor vehicle, according to a release from the Essex District Attorney’s Office.

During the incident on Fairview Farm Road around 4:47 p.m., Kavanaugh allegedly attacked a 54-year-old woman and her 26-year-old daughter as they walked their dogs. 

The mother, authorities said, was flown to a Boston hospital where she remains in critical, but stable, condition. Officials added that the daughter has since been treated and released from a local hospital. 

Judge Ceasar Archilla ordered Kavanaugh to undergo a mental health evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital, the D.A.’s office said, and a probable cause hearing has been scheduled for April 9.

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