Massachusetts State Police Trooper Joseph Ward is facing grim allegations after being accused of assault and kidnapping involving his girlfriend, a Barnstable police officer, in their Plymouth home on January 10. According to court documents, the 25-year-old trooper allegedly barred the victim from leaving their apartment, escalating to threats with knives and a loaded gun. Boston 25 News reported that Ward insisted on having a "serious conversation" that the victim intended to avoid due to her desire to end the relationship.
The situation reportedly intensified when Ward saw a text indicating she was in danger, leading to an outburst in which furniture was thrown and the victim was physically assaulted, says the criminal complaint. The victim eventually blacked out from fear after Ward picked up six knives and approached her. During a moment of distraction on Ward's part, the victim made a desperate attempt to flee, only to be pulled back into the apartment after being chased and dragged by Ward, according to WCVB. Held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing set for February 2, Ward has been relieved of duty in response to the charge, with the Massachusetts State Police reaffirming their zero-tolerance stance on domestic violence.
In light of the incident, the victim sought a restraining order, which was extended by 30 days, although she sought protection for a year. The defense for Trooper Ward has countered the charges, claiming the victim's statements were "demonstrably false" and indicating that cell phone records would show continued contact between the involved parties after the event, as stated by his defense attorney. In solidarity, other Barnstable officers attended the court hearing in support of the victim.
Wendy Murphy, the director of the Women and Children’s Advocacy Project at New England Law Boston, expressed her dismay to Boston 25 News, saying, "It broke my heart," speaking about the vulnerabilities that persist even for those who are empowered and knowledgeable about the law; meanwhile, the Massachusetts State Police has confirmed full cooperation with the District Attorney's investigation and an ongoing internal affairs review depending on the judicial process's outcome. The case continues to unfold with more information pending from future court proceedings.
