Suspect Arrested After Assault and Battery on a Child in Dorchester

At about 4:13 PM, on Thursday, July 4, 2024, officers assigned to District B-3 (Mattapan) arrested Manuel Cardoso, 44, of Boston, on A&B and Kidnapping charges.

Officers responded to the area of 43 Wentworth Street for a report of a suspicious person. Upon arrival, officers were advised that there was a gathering at the address and an unknown male walked up the driveway. The unknown male attempted to urinate on the side of the house and then began to engage in conversation with a few children.

Officers were advised that the suspect was told to leave the area. At that time, the suspect grabbed a child by the back of the neck, and attempted to drag him towards the street. The suspect had to be physically removed from the property and he fled the scene. Officers were provided with a description of the suspect, and located him in the area of 21 Darlington Street.

Cardoso was placed under arrest and charged with Assault and Battery on a Child Under 14, and Kidnapping. He is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court.