Westport Man Charged With Kidnapping

New Bedford Police arrested a Westport man on kidnapping charges early Sunday after he assaulted a female and attempted to take her in his vehicle against her will.

Police received a report at 2:47 a.m. at Petro Mart, 171 Coggeshall St., that a woman was being assaulted.

When police arrived, they were told by a witness that Robert Brum, 53, of 1148 American Legion Highway, Apt. 10, Westport, had been punching the victim, a 40-year-old New Bedford woman, and dragging her by the hair.

The victim told police the man tried to drive off with her in the vehicle. She removed the keys from the ignition and ran off.

She was bleeding from her elbows, face and knees and complained of a head injury. She was treated at the scene by medics.

Brum was subsequently charged with kidnapping, assault and battery and possession of cocaine, subsequent offense. A small amount of cocaine was found on him when he was arrested.

(From New Bedford Police)