Accused Tewksbury Carjacker Held as a Danger

LOWELL - A 32-year-old man who allegedly carjacked a stranger at a Tewksbury gas station earlier this month was ordered held without bail after as a danger to society.

In Lowell District Court on Tuesday William Tighe, who lists addresses in Tewksbury and Somerville, was ordered held without bail after Judge Ellen Caulo determined he was a danger to society.

After being on the run for several days after the April 1 incident at the Circle K gas station , Tighe was arrested in Lowell and charged by Tewksbury police with carjacking and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (a car).

His next court date is May 5, pending his possible grand jury indictment.

One week before the Tewksbury incident, Tighe was charged with negligent operation of a vehicle and operation after suspension as an habitual traffic offender.

At Tighe's arraignment, prosecutor Elizabeth 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.

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.

Courtesy photo of William Tighe by Tewksbury Police Department.