Gloucester

Man Accused of Throwing Woman in Front of Dump Truck Dies

Authorities say a man awaiting trial for allegedly carrying his ex-girlfriend into the path of a dump truck has died in jail.

Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger tells The Salem News that 40-year-old Michael Baker, of Ipswich, was found dead in his cell at the Middleton Jail on Tuesday.

A spokeswoman for the Essex district attorney's office says the death appears to be a suicide.

Baker was indicted this month on charges of attempted murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

The charges stem from an incident in Gloucester in April that started with an argument over custody of a 7-year-old girl and ended with Baker picking up the woman and carrying her into traffic. Both were hospitalized. Baker blamed mental health issues for his actions.

If you are in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting ‘Home’ to 741741.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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