Rhode Island Man Charged in Pembroke Kidnapping

Michael J. Guerrero, 36, is accused of posing as a valet outside the Ninety-Nine Restaurant in Pembroke on the night of Sept. 14–15 and kidnapping a 75-year-old woman who had returned for belongings. Authorities say he drove the woman toward Providence/Johnston, threatened her with a gun, demanded she perform lewd acts and indecently assaulted her in the car. The woman escaped at a four-way intersection by opening the door; Guerrero then turned off the engine, threw the keys away and fled, and the victim returned to Massachusetts and reported the incident the next day. Investigators used surveillance footage, tips from restaurant employees, witness interviews and rideshare records to identify Guerrero; he was arrested in Providence on Sept. 24 and extradited to Massachusetts. He was arraigned, pleaded not guilty, is being held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing, and faces multiple felony counts including carjacking, kidnapping, indecent assault and battery on a person over 60, assault with a dangerous weapon and related charges.