Kidnap suspect pleads not guilty, held on high bail

Joanne Shaw is led out of court by her attorney and court personnel. (Rochester Voice photo)

DOVER - The woman police say tried to kidnap the baby of a Good Samaritan who gave her a ride Saturday morning was in court on Monday in jail garb tossing her hair and seeming nonplussed by the courtroom drama and media scrutiny that accompanied her every move.

Joanne Shaw, 25, of 7 Piper Lane, Gonic, spoke softly and rolled her eyes often as Strafford County Superior Court Judge Mark E. Howard took pains to clearly state the seriousness of the charges against her, including felony kidnapping, and misdemeanor counts of simple assault, criminal mischief and resisting arrest.

After not guilty pleas were entered on all charges, bail was set at $25,000 cash, up from the $5,000 initially set after her arrest.

During bail arguments it was learned that Shaw could be in a fragile state of mind as she had recently lost custody of her own 6-month-old baby.

While she wasn't deemed a flight risk, it was felt that she could be a danger to others and possibly herself.

Prosecutor and defense attorneys left open the door for the bail to convert to personal recognizance if a suitable program can be implemented that would be appropriate.

The bizarre scenario that led to Shaw being arrested Saturday began when a motorist saw her walking along the road on Washington Street in Rochester.

According to an affidavit attached to her court file, the man saw her walking in the street and stopped to ask her if she needed a ride. She said yes and hopped in the car, but almost immediately told the man "she was taking his (year-old) daughter who was in the back seat."

As Shaw turned around to try to grab the infant, the man tried to push her out the door while slowing the vehicle down and pulling over to the shoulder.

"Shaw then reached over and grabbed the key fob to the vehicle and snapped the key in half, breaking off half the key in the ignition," the affidavit states.

As the Good Samaritan came to a stop, Shaw grabbed the baby out of the car and began walking away. He then caught up with her and tried to grab his daughter, who fell to the ground.

According to the affidavit, Shaw then punched him a couple of times and told him "that his daughter was not safe with him."

By now officers had arrived, and quickly restored order, separated the two. As they took statements, including three other witnesses, Shaw reportedly began staring at the baby and moving toward, the affidavit said.

As one officer began to intercede Shaw tried to pull away after which she was handcuffed.