Southbridge, MA residents have been on alert following a string of incidents involving attempted kidnapping and lewd behavior by a local man. As reported by the Southbridge Police Department, 47-year-old Brad J. Coughlin was taken into custody pertaining to multiple reports of disturbing conduct.
Facing a slew of charges, Coughlin's arrest came after a female approached an officer on Thursday, July 10, around 6:54 pm, sharing that the suspect had exposed himself and made inappropriate comments while driving through the Fiske Street area. The woman was able to provide the license plate of Coughlin's white Audi, promptly initiating a police investigation.
Shortly thereafter, a second report came in from another female who, along with a friend, was targeted by a suspicious white Audi on Eastford Road. According to the victims, the driver repeatedly asked one of the women to enter his vehicle, prompting them to flee in fear. A BOLO was then issued for Coughlin and his vehicle.
In a concerning pattern, a third woman later reported to an officer on Old South Road that Coughlin tried to block her path with his vehicle after asking her to get into the car and committing another lewd act. Despite the terrifying ordeal, she managed to circumvent the Audi and capture a partial photo of Coughlin and his license plate before fleeing.
Working in conjunction with Sturbridge Police, Coughlin was located and apprehended without further incident at Westville Dam. He has been charged with lewdness, open and gross, accost/annoy another person, and attempting to commit a crime – specifically kidnapping – in addition to counts of disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace, as detailed in the Southbridge Police Department's social media statement.
Following his arrest, Coughlin was held at police headquarters and later arraigned in Dudley District Court on Friday, July 11, 2025. He remains innocent until proven guilty, as stressed by the legal system and the ongoing judicial process.
