Level 3 sex offender allegedly kidnaps woman overnight
A documented level 3 sex offender is in jail after allegedly attempting to rape a woman he trapped in his own home overnight Sunday, according to a police press release.
Twenty-two year old Joseph Gomes of 5 Apple Street in Wareham was arrested at his home on May 7 and charged with kidnapping, assault to rape, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (a cell phone and a machete), indecent assault and battery on a person over age 14, and attempted murder, police said.
Gomes allegedly held the 25-year-old female victim, a prior acquaintance, against her own will after she arrived at his home during the evening of Sunday, May 6, police said.
During the night, Gomes allegedly attempted to rape the victim, assaulted her with a cell phone, and threatened to harm her with a machete that was later found in his bedroom during a May 7 search of the home, police said.
The victim also sustained minor injuries consisting of scratches and marks on her throat and later stated to the police that Gomes forcibly grabbed her by the throat and threatened to harm her, police said.
During the night, the victim attempted to exit the house but was detained by Gomes, police said.
At approximately 6:30 a.m., the female victim and Gomes were transported to a facility in Wareham by a neighbor of Gomes where the female victim was able to escape, police said. The female victim reported the incident to the police at approximately 2 p.m., police said.
Gomes was held overnight without bail at the Wareham Police Department, was arraigned at Wareham 4th District Court on May 8, and is currently being held at the Plymouth House of Correction, police said.
A dangerousness hearing for Gomes will be held at 2 p.m. on May 11, police said. Investigation into this matter is ongoing, police said.