Father Of Suspected Attempted Burlington Kidnapper Turned Son In

BURLINGTON, MA — The man who police believe tried to kidnap a woman in Burlington is being held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing next week. Prosecutors say he was identified with the help of his father, who called police after he recognized his son in the photos they'd released.

Tyler Healey, 23, was arrested Tuesday afternoon in Winthrop. He is being charged with assault with intent to rape, attempted kidnapping, assault with intent to commit a felony, and indecent battery on a person over age 14.

Healey did not show his face in court Wednesday, citing "identity issues."

Near 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Burlington police received a 911 call from a driver who told them they saw a man, later identified as Healey, dragging a woman away along the Middlesex Turnpike near Great Meadow Road.

The driver told police they were on their way home from work when they pulled over to investigate the situation and call the police.

Police say the 37-year-old woman was able to get away because the suspect was "apparently startled" by the 911 caller pulling their vehicle over nearby. The woman was found by police shortly after, but the man took off on foot.

The 37-year-old woman, Zayra Mendoza, told multiple outlets that she is feeling safe enough to identify herself now that Healey is in custody.

Police later released surveillance video from a nearby building showing how the chilling incident unfolded.

Police say they were able to link Healey to the surveillance footage after his father called in with a tip saying he recognized his sneakers.

The video shows Mendoza walking on the sidewalk when a man who police identify as Healey started following her from behind. Mendoza then crosses the street and Healey is seen chasing her, eventually catching up and grabbing her.

Mendoza told police she tried to defend herself but was started to get dragged away. That's when police say the passing car noticed the situation and pulled over to call the authorities. The man is then seen letting go of Mendoza before running off, jumping a fence into a Department of Public Works yard.

Burlington police credit the 911 caller's actions, saying they believe they stopped something that could have been much worse.

According to the Milford Daily News, Healey was arrested two years ago after threatening to kill police officers.

Police charged Healey with three counts of threatening to commit a crime; carrying a dangerous weapon (spring-action knife); resisting arrest; disorderly conduct; and trespassing.

"This is the perfect example of if you see something that doesn't sit right, just call the police. You know, we'll sort it out if it's not anything," said Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan. "The person who made that call really prevented this from being so much worse."