State Rep. Carlos Henriquez pleaded not guilty yesterday to punching a female friend and kidnapping her last weekend, as well as witness intimidation and larceny under $250.
Henriquez, 35, a Dorchester representative, didn’t speak during the five minute hearing in Roxbury District Court. He was shocked by the allegations and is looking forward to getting back to work for his community and constituents, his lawyer told reporters after the arraignment.
Henriquez allegedly picked up the woman, Katherine Gonzalves, a 23-year-old UMass Boston student, at her mother’s Arlington home about 2 a.m. Sunday. He said he wanted to talk about their friendship, Gonzalves told police, according to a police report.
Gonzalves told police she and Henriquez previously had an “intimate relationship” about a month ago.
Henriquez drove Gonzalves around in a Zip Car and refused to let her go, allegedly grabbing her wrists when she tried to jump out. She eventually jumped out of the car in the Fenway at about 4:30 a.m. and found a police officer. Police in their report noted scuffs on her legs and bruises on her arms and wrists.
A judge ordered him to stay away from Gonzalves, her mother’s home, her home in Somerville and he was released on the $1,000 cash bail he posted.
