City woman arrested in July kidnapping case indicted

Joanne Shaw is led from a Strafford County courtroom after her arraignment in July. (Rocheser Voice file photo)

DOVER - The Rochester woman police say tried to kidnap the baby of a Good Samaritan who gave her a ride on a July morning has been indicted on one felony kidnapping count.

Joanne Shaw, 25, of 7 Piper Lane, Gonic, had been originally charged with several assault and criminal mischief charges in connection with the July 22 incident, too, but now faces the single Class A felony, which carries a seven and a half to 15 year prison stay.

The bizarre series of events that led to Shaw being arrested 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 stated.

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, however as they took statements, including three other witnesses, Shaw reportedly began staring at the baby and moving toward it, the affidavit said.

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

The infant was not injured in the incident.

During bail arguments after her arrest 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.

Shaw's bail had been set at $25,000 but since then she has been released from Strafford County Jail.

The Strafford County grand jury indictments were handed down on Oct. 19 and released on Wednesday.

An indictment is not an indication of guilt, rather that enough evidence has been gathered to warrant a trial.