Massachusetts

Police Identify Suspect in Tewksbury Carjacking

The woman fought back, taking the gasoline pump and completely dousing him along with the car.

Police have identified the man suspected in a violent carjacking in Tewksbury, Massachusetts.

The incident happened on Saturday night at the Circle K gas station on Andover Street in Tewksbury. Police released surveillance footage that captured the entire exchange. The video shows the man walking around the woman as she pumps her gas. He circles around both her and the car. When the woman turns away, the man gets into the driver’s seat.

The woman fought back, taking the gasoline pump and completely dousing him along with the car. She opened the door, continuing to fight, but he drove away. The woman was momentarily dragged before the man was able to escape.

The Tewksbury Police Department identified 32-year-old William Tighe as the suspect. Police believe he lives on Starbird Avenue in Tewksbury. Officers are searching for him in Lowell and in Somerville. They consider him dangerous and have a warrant for his arrest. In addition to the carjacking, Tighe is wanted for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

James Silva was working behind the counter at the time of the attack. He said he was helping another customer when the victim burst into the store claiming someone stole her car. As soon as she walked in, Silva said he immediately smelled the gas and they called for help.

"She said, 'someone stole my car'," Silva recalled. "I mean, I was helping the customers so I just turned and looked and smelled all the gas and she was covered in gas, just panicked. I gave her the phone right away."

Officials say the car has been recovered in Lowell, but are still looking for Tighe.

The victim is a woman who was visiting the area from New Jersey. She was taken to the hospital after the incident to receive treatment for minor injuries. She has since been released and is recovering.

Contact Us