Suspect in child abduction sent for psychiatric evaluation
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — A Massachusetts man charged with abducting an 11-year-old girl was ordered by a judge Wednesday to undergo a 20-day psychiatric evaluation.
Miguel Rodriguez, 24, of Springfield, appeared in Springfield District Court for a hearing to determine whether he is a danger to society and can be held without bail.
He was ordered to return to court Feb. 11.
Not guilty pleas to charges including kidnapping were entered on his behalf at his arraignment last week.
Charlotte Moccia, 11, of Springfield, was forced into a blue car by a man around 1:30 p.m. Jan. 15 as she walked home after getting off the school bus, sparking an Amber Alert police said. Rodriguez did not know the child.
With help from the public, Rodriguez and the girl were found about 30 miles away roughly six hours later.
Moccia told investigators that Rodriguez had pointed a knife at her and threatened to kill her if she screamed or tried to escape, authorities said.
The suspect's father, Henry Rodriguez, has said that his son has a history of schizophrenia and paranoia and had refused to take medication.