Suspected Burlington attacker appears in court

BURLINGTON, Mass. — According to Middlesex County prosecutors, the suspect in the Burlington attempted kidnapping and rape was arrested after the suspect’s father recognized his son on the videos released by police.

Tyler Healey, 23, was walked into court, charged with assault with intent to rape and indecent assault and battery. Healey was allowed to stay out of view.

Middlesex County Assistant District Attorney Carrie Spiros described how police say the attack happened.  

“He grabbed her and started pulling off her shirt,” said Spiros. “She was struggling with him, she broke free, and continued to struggle.” 

That’s when Burlington Police say this woman, Ariel Naylor, who drove by at the exact right time, stopped and called 911.

“I just keep thinking about what would have happened if I hadn’t been on that road at that time of night,” said Naylor.

Burlington Police and the district attorney say Naylor is a hero.

“And put herself in harm’s way, potentially acting without due regard for her safety. And her acts were selfless,” said Burlington Police Chief Thomas Browne.

The Good Samaritan and the victim are now becoming close friends, even standing by each other in court.

“I saw her last night for the first time, and I cried, and seeing her today. She is the strongest person because she is here. Seeing him. Standing up for herself and others. So I will be with her until the end and after,” said Naylor.

Healey was arrested in Winthrop on Tuesday. Police say he has ties to Burlington but recently lived in Waltham and Newton.

Prosecutors say Healey’s arrest was a result of a tip from the suspect’s father.

“He indicated to police that the person in the DPW photographs looked exactly like his son,” said Spiros.

Off-camera, the father told us he was deeply sorry for what the victim is going through, and he was so glad the Good Samaritan was there. The victim’s sister-in-law, Jessica Santiago, says the entire family is grateful the father made the call. 

“That you know your son is a danger to society and you were willing to turn him in. I am a mother. Can’t tell you I would do that. That is amazing,” said Santiago.

Healey has two other open cases in Waltham and Framingham. He is being held until next week for a dangerous hearing.

Healey faces four charges, including attempted kidnapping and assault with intent to rape. Police say surveillance video shows him grabbing the 37-year-old victim Sunday night. He put her in a headlock, dragging her away, but she put up a big fight.

Police say it worked.

“I think the victim, specifically for her tenacious fight that night, the fight she put up in the middle of Middlesex Turnpike – she gave herself a chance,” said Burlington Police Chief Thomas Browne.

That disturbing video lead to several tips that helped to catch Healey, according to the Middlesex County District Attorney.

“We are very grateful to members of the public who saw that, who reached out to the police department and provided some information and possible locations. And that’s what lead them to Winthrop,” said Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.

Suspect in Burlington attempted kidnapping arrested

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