SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - A homeless man remains in custody after being accused of sexually assaulting and kidnapping a 17-year-old boy last week at a Springfield park.

The teenager was allegedly walking on Hancock Street in Springfield around 8 p.m. Friday when he was dragged into a park and raped. We’re told police were able to quickly capture the suspect using what they called good old fashioned police work. “We don’t want that happening no more to any child,” said Richard Laplante, who lives hear Johnny Appleseed Park in Springfield.

The teenager was able to escape and ran approximately one mile home while the suspect chased after him. Those who live in the area told Western Mass News that, unfortunately. they aren’t surprised something like that happened in their neighbor

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