A Southbridge, Massachusetts, man accused of kidnapping a child at a Webster beach and assaulting her last week was held without bail Monday pending a dangerousness hearing.
The incident happened on the Patriot's Day holiday at Memorial Beach, Webster police said, adding that the girl was alone.
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Walter Fanion, 68, had a dog with him and started a "conversation about the dog [and] she ended up in the car," police said.
Fanion allegedly touched the girl inappropriately in the car before dropping her off near her grandmother's home, where the girl told her grandmother what happened.
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He allegedly told the child he'd be back at the beach the following day at 11:30 a.m.
The girl, who's under 14 years old, was able to provide investigators with unique characteristics of the car.
Fanion was arrested Friday, when he returned to the beach once again, police said.
Investigators want to know if Fanion may be connected to any other similar incidents.
Anyone with information should call the Webster Police Department at 508-943-1212.
Fanion is facing several serious charges, including kidnapping, enticing a child under 16 and four counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14. He pleaded not guilty on
Prosecutors requested he be held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing during Monday's arraignment, citing a criminal history they wanted to obtain more information about, including accusations of assault on a police officer. That request was granted and Fanion is set to return to court on Friday.
