Third Update: Haverhill Man Faces Armed Assault with Intent to Murder in Alleged Attack

Fairview Farm Road, Haverhill. (Mike Jarvis photograph for WHAV News.)

One woman received what were described as “life-threatening” injuries and a 23-year-old Haverhill man is under arrest after the apparent “attack” last yesterday afternoon.

Twenty-three-year-old Jake Kavanaugh, of 15 Fairview Farm Road, Haverhill was arrested, according to Essex County District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett’s spokeswoman Carrie Kimball. An arrest log provided by Haverhill Police this morning confirms charges of two counts each of armed assault with intent to murder; assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, causing serious bodily injury; assault and battery with a dangerous weapon; mayhem; and negligent operation of motor vehicle.

WHAV News was on scene just before 5 p.m., Wednesday, when first responders, including police, fire and ambulance, were ordered to secure the scene at 4 Fairview Farm Road, Haverhill. Early, unconfirmed reports suggested two women were walking a dog when assaulted. Kimball said earlier, “One of the victims is being med-flighted to Boston with life threatening injuries.”

The district attorney’s office said Haverhill and State Police are investigating the alleged attack. Haverhill officials referred the press to Blodgett’s office even as out-of-town media attributed to unconfirmed details to “police,” contradicting a statement from Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini. The mayor said, “The investigation has been turned over to the DA who has asked that they handle all press as is routine.”

A dark-colored sedan with driver’s side door and trunk open was off the side of the road. At times, Salem, N.H., police and fire were present as the home is near the state border.

“This is an active investigation.  At this time, investigators do not believe this was a random attack and that there is no risk to the public,” Kimball said.

This remains a developing story. Stay with 97.9 WHAV for further developments.

–Second Report–

One woman received what were described as “life-threatening” injuries and a 23-year-old Haverhill man is under arrest after the apparent “attack” late yesterday afternoon.

Twenty-three-year-old Jake Kavanaugh, of Haverhill was arrested. Charges were not immediately disclosed.

WHAV News was on scene just before 5 p.m. when first responders, including police, fire and ambulance, were ordered to secure the scene at 4 Fairview Farm Road, Haverhill. Early, unconfirmed reports suggested two women were walking a dog when assaulted. A dark-colored sedan with driver’s side door and trunk open was off the side of the road. At times, Salem, N.H., police and fire were present as the home is near the state border.

Haverhill officials referred WHAV to District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett’s office, suggesting a death had occurred or was likely. However, Blodgett’s spokeswoman Carrie Kimball said only, “One of the victims is being med-flighted to Boston with life threatening injuries.”

Kimball said Haverhill and State Police are investigating the alleged attack.

“This is an active investigation.  At this time, investigators do not believe this was a random attack and that there is no risk to the public,” Kimball said.

This is remains a developing story. Stay with 97.9 WHAV for further developments.

–First Report–

One man has been taken into police custody and Haverhill Police have marked a crime scene near the state border where there are reports two women were attacked.

WHAV News was on scene just before 5 p.m. when first responders, including police, fire and ambulance, were ordered to secure the scene at 4 Fairview Farm Road, Haverhill. Early, unconfirmed reports suggested a victim was walking her dog when assaulted. A dark-colored sedan with driver’s side door and trunk open was off the side of the road. At times, Salem, N.H., police and fire were present.

Haverhill officials referred WHAV to District Attorney Jonathan W. Blodgett’s office, suggesting a death had occurred or was likely. However, Blodgett’s spokeswoman Carrie Kimball said only, “One of the victims is being med-flighted to Boston with life threatening injuries.”

Kimball said Haverhill and State Police are investigating the alleged attack and one unidentified person was taken into custody. It was not explicitly stated whether the person was arrested and, if so, what charges were filed.

“This is an active investigation.  At this time, investigators do not believe this was a random attack and that there is no risk to the public,” Kimball said.

This is a developing story. Stay with 97.9 WHAV for further developments.

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