SPRINGFIELD, MA. (THECOUNT) — According to the family of Miguel Rodriguez, the man arrested in the abduction of 11-year-old Charlotte Moccia, says he has a history of schizophrenia and paranoia.
Rodriguez, 24, of Springfield, was arrested Wednesday, accused of forcing the the young girl into a vehicle as she walked home from school.
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An Amber Alert was issued for Moccia and she was found 6 hours later inside a vehicle stopped in a “work zone.”
Miguel’s father talked about the times his son would stand outside the house and spit at cars or even try and kick them as they drove past.
According to the father, Miguel’s sister has had to take out a restraining order against him due to sporadic violent attacks toward her. The police were called, according to the family, when he first started acting out three years ago.
Miguel had been given medication by Baystate Medical Center, according to Henry but he didn’t take them, reports MassLive.
Authorities had been searching for Moccia after officials said she was “forced into a car” just before 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Police spokesperson Ryan Walsh added that she was last seen after returning from the Hampden Charter School.
Mass. State Police spokesperson David Procopio said that troopers flooded the eastbound side of the Mass. Turnpike in the Auburn/Sturbridge area, reports WesternMassNews.
“The car was stopped in a work zone and Charlotte was recovered,” Procopio said, adding that they took two occupants of the car into custody.
Moccia is being evaluated by EMS as a precaution, but there are no apparent injuries.
No further information was immediately made available.
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Geo quick facts: Springfield is a city in western Massachusetts. Beside the Connecticut River, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame commemorates the sport in a striking building. Collections at the Springfield Museums include American paintings and sculpture, scientific exhibits and Asian art. The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss celebrates the beloved children’s author. Springfield Armory documents 2 centuries of military history – wikipedia.