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Man accused of kidnapping victim, stealing car in Tewksbury

TEWKSBURY (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) A 23-year-old homeless man was arrested in Boston on Tuesday after Tewksbury Police accused him of a slew of crimes including kidnapping and assault.

Police allege that Jeffrey Venter kidnapped a man from a Motel 6 in Tewksbury on Dec. 26. Investigators accuse Venter of forcing the victim into their car at knife point.

Venter reportedly punched the victim several times and threatened to kill the victim if he did not comply with his demands.

The victim was able to escape in Lowell. He called police to report that his personal belongings, including his car, had been stolen by his attacker.

Police found the victim's car in Roxbury. They also arrested Venter in Roxbury and charged him with kidnapping, armed assault with intent to murder, carjacking, armed robbery, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault and battery.

Venter was arraigned in Lowell District Court on Wednesday and held on $2,5000 bail.