Overview
- Joseph R. Ward, 25, was arraigned in Plymouth District Court on five counts including kidnapping and assault and battery on a family or household member, and he pleaded not guilty.
- Judge James M. Sullivan ordered detention without bail under Massachusetts’ dangerousness statute at the request of the Plymouth County district attorney’s office.
- A Plymouth police report alleges Ward blocked an apartment door, threw furniture, threatened a dating partner with multiple kitchen knives and a loaded pistol, and dragged her back inside after she fled.
- The court directed Plymouth police to preserve body‑worn camera, headquarters, cruiser, and any other related video dating back to Jan. 11.
- Massachusetts State Police said a trooper was relieved of duty and transported to Plymouth police for custody, and Ward’s attorney says he denies the allegations and challenges the basis and timing of the arrest.