Manchester, N.H. resident Charles W. Anderson is charged with kidnapping and drug possession, police said. (File photograph)
An investigation carried out by Methuen Police’s Narcotics and Gang Unit on the city’s west side resulted in the arrest of a New Hampshire man for alleged kidnapping and drug offenses, the department confirmed.
On Wednesday, Sept. 12, detectives witnessed Charles W. Anderson, of Manchester, N.H., involved in an alleged drug transaction and when they stopped his vehicle, located a 16-year-old Manchester boy inside who had been reported missing. Cocaine was also found in their possession.
According to police, the boy had been forced to enter Anderson’s car and was threated with death if he tried to escape. After taking the boy, Anderson allegedly drove to Methuen to buy cocaine, and forced the kidnapped teen to take the drug.
In a statement, Methuen Police Chief Joseph E. Solomon praised his unit for reuniting the boy with his family.
“The detectives in charge of this case did an excellent job in identifying this situation and arresting this suspect. I am thankful that they were able to conduct a thorough investigation and rescue this boy from an extremely dangerous individual,” Solomon said.
Forty-five-year-old Anderson must answer to charges of kidnapping, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and drug possession and distribution charges.