Tewksbury Carjacking Suspect Held Without Bail

LOWELL - A 32-year-old man who triggered a statewide manhunt after an alleged carjacking in Tewksbury Saturday was ordered held without bail at his arraignment in Lowell District Court on Wednesday.

William Tighe, who lists addresses in Tewksbury and Somerville, was held without bail ending a dangerousness hearing on Tuesday after pleading not guilty to charges of carjacking and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (a car).

The Lowell District Court judge also revoked Tighe's bail on charges out of Woburn District Court. Prosecutor Elizabeth Barnes explained that oneweek before the Tewksbury incident, Tighe was released after pleading not guilty to negligent operation of a vehicle and operation after suspension as an habitual traffic offender.

In providing details of the case, Barnes said that at about 7:24 p.m. on April 1 Tewksbury police responded to the Circle K gas station at 1785 Andover St. where they were told that 48-year-old woman from Elizabeth, N.J. was pumping gas when the suspect got into her red 2007 Mazda CZ9 and attempted to drive away.

Barnes alleges the victim struggled with the man, spraying him with gasoline and hitting with the gas nozzle before the suspect drove off in her car, dragging the woman alongside her car for a short distance in the parking lot.

Barnes said the victim was transported to Lowell General Hospital, the Saints Campus, to be treated for wrist and head pain. She was released the next day, Barnes said.

The vehicle, a red Mazda with New Jersey Plates, was recovered Saturday night in Lowell after a brief chase. The car was abandoned as the suspect fled on foot. A K9 search was unsuccessful in locating the suspect.

Police obtained an arrest warrant for Tighe after video of the incident taken from the gas station's surveillance system was publicized. Tighe's stepfather identified the suspect and Tighe's mother confirmed the identification, Barnes said.

After being on the run since Saturday, Tighe was arrested shortly after 5 p.m. on Tuesday in the area of Acropolis Road in Lowell, near his girlfriend's home.

The victim, however, was unable to positively identify Tighe as her attacker, Barnes said. As a result, the judge allowed Tighe to remain out of public view during his arraignment.

Courtesy photo of William Tighe by Tewksbury Police Department.