A high-speed cross-state chase involving suspected parental kidnapping ended with a Massachusetts man behind bars in Rhode Island, authorities say. Seth Parenteau, 40, of Southbridge, Mass., was arrested after leading police on a pursuit that briefly crossed into Connecticut, NBC Boston reports. The ordeal began Sunday evening when Southbridge police alerted Rhode Island State Police to be on the lookout for a black Jeep Grand Cherokee, believed to be involved in a kidnapping incident.
Acting on that tip, Rhode Island troopers spotted the Jeep on Route 95 South in Providence. According to a WCVB interview with Rhode Island State Police officials, Parenteau then fled southbound, ducking into Connecticut before re-entering Rhode Island. The chase came to a stop on Church Street in Richmond, where police took Parenteau into custody without further incident.
Parenteau is allegedly facing multiple charges, including reckless driving and child endangerment, after the escapade. He was arraigned and is being held on $6,000 surety bail, with a bail review hearing set for Tuesday at Fourth District Court. The child found in the vehicle was taken to Hasbro Children's Hospital in Providence for an evaluation before being handed over to a representative from the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.
The investigation into circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnapping continues to unfold. Southbridge Police Chief Shane Woodson told NewsCenter 5 that the incident involved a juvenile and allegations of parental kidnapping and for now, no further information will be released. Those with any information related to the kidnapping are encouraged to reach out to Southbridge Police.
