Saturday, May 10, 2008

Ex-police officer arrested on kidnapping, assault charges


A former Pearl River police officer has been arrested on charges of kidnapping his ex-girlfriend and taking her forcefully for a drive in his car last Friday.

According to Pearl River Police Chief Bennie Raynor, ex-policeman Joseph Ciruti Jr. broke into the apartment of his ex-girlfriend, held her at gunpoint, handcuffed and shackled her before forcing her into his car and driving her around Slidell.

Raynor said the girlfriend eventually convinced Ciruti to let her go and to check into a hospital for psychiatric help.

When Ciruti got out of the hospital, Raynor said he was arrested.

Ciruti is in the St. Tammany Parish jail in Covington on charges of second-degree kidnapping, aggravated burglary and aggravated assault.

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