Rhode Island State Police arrest assault, kidnapping suspect

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Peabody, Massachusetts police alerted Rhode Island State Police in Lincoln that a wanted suspect might be headed toward Rhode Island with an infant in the vehicle at approximately 2:30 a.m. Tuesday.

Jamaine Johnson, 41, of Boston, allegedly assaulted his girlfriend by strangulation, stole her car and abducted their six-month-old child.

Johnson allegedly made threats of potential self harm and toward the infant if pursued by law enforcement.

Johnson was believed to be in the vicinity of routes 95 and 195 in Providence after an investigation.

Johnson’s vehicle was located on Melissa Street in Providence at 3:20 a.m. and when police located and approached him he attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended after a brief struggle.

During the struggle Johnson allegedly resisted arrest and assaulted a trooper.

The infant was found unharmed but unsecured in the front seat of the vehicle and was transported to Hasbro Children’s Hospital for evaluation.

Johnson was later arraigned on charges of assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, obstructing a police officer, and fugitive from justice in Rhode Island.

On the warrant issued by the Peabody police, Johnson was charged with domestic – assault and battery, domestic – strangulation, kidnapping, threats to commit murder and larceny of a motor vehicle.