A 51-year-old Massachusetts man is facing multiple charges after attempting to kidnap an 11-year-old girl in Worcester on Sunday night.
Andrew Merriam, of Hudson, is charged with enticing an underage child, attempt to commit a crime and assault and battery. He denied the allegations at his arraignment on Monday and his bail was set at $1,000.
His next court date is scheduled for Nov. 16.
Police said Merriam approached the child in the area of Endicott and Vernon streets just before 8 p.m. Sunday as she was walking to a convenience store and asked if she wanted to see his dog. He was with another man whose identity remains unknown.
Merriam allegedly grabbed the young girl and prevented her from leaving. The girl attempted to break free several times but was unsuccessful. She was finally able to escape by kicking Merriam in the leg and she then ran inside the store.
The girl went home and told her grandmother to call the police. She was able to give police a description of Merriam, and a K9 officer responded to the scene and saw a man matching that description on Vernon Street. When the officer approached, Merriam reportedly became confrontational.
The officer called for assistance, and Merriam was taken into custody.
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The second male who was at the scene has not been located. He was described as balding and wearing a gray hoodie.
The girl was not injured.
Merriam does not yet have an attorney, but told the judge Monday he plans to hire one.
