Rochester man arrested in alleged baseball bat attack

Gabriel Valentin (Rochester Police photo)

ROCHESTER - A Rochester man has been arrested for allegedly kidnapping and beating another man with a baseball bat earlier this month.

Gabriel Valentin, 37, of 4 Townsend Lane, turned himself in on Aug. 25, whereupon he was charged with felony first-degree assault and criminal restraint.

Valentin was transported to Strafford County Jail where he was held without bail pending a Friday arraignment where it was set at $25,000 cash. He remains at the jail today.

The incident began around 3:20 p.m. on Aug. 18 when police responded to the area of 4 Townsend Lane for a report of a 911 hang up call. Prior to the caller hanging up they stated a male was "going crazy with a gun" and he was covered in blood.

As police were responding additional information was obtained clarifying the male did not have a gun, but had been kidnapped, a gun pointed at him and beaten with a baseball bat by at least two suspects. The male had injuries to his body consistent with his statements made to responding officers, who searched for the suspects, including a K9 team.

As a result of the ongoing investigation Valentin was charged.

The victim in the case was transported by ambulance to Frisbie Memorial Hospital for his injuries, which were described as nonlife- threatening.

At this time the case is still open and is an active investigation by Rochester Police.

Tipsters who have any further knowledge of the incident are asked to contact Detective Justin Livingstone at 330-7128 or call Rochester Crimeline at 335-6500. All calls to the Rochester Crimeline will remain confidential and rewards are given for information, which leads to arrests. Tipsters can also text the Rochester Crimline at Crimes (274637) in the body write TEXT4CASH followed by your tip.