Lynn man held without bail for kidnapping, beating girlfriend

LYNN-A Lynn man was ordered held without bail Monday after he allegedly got into an argument over a drug problem with his girlfriend before confining her against her will for several hours on Sunday.Luis A. Mercado, 33, of 1 Curwin Terrace, Lynn, was arrested at 7 a.m. Sunday and charged with kidnapping, domestic assault and battery, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, intimidation of a witness and threatening to commit a crime.Police took Mercado into custody at his home a short time after his live-in girlfriend reported that he held her at the home about six hours earlier and threatened to kill her if she tried to leave, police said.Police say the incident started at about 1:30 a.m. when Mercado tried to take the victim’s paycheck and use the money to buy drugs. An argument began because Mercado has a drug problem and the victim did not want to give him more money to fuel his addiction, police said.Mercado allegedly took his girlfriend’s car keys and threw them at her face, causing a minor cut, before forcing her into their home.The victim reported that Mercado hit her several times and threw her on the floor, according to police. While on the ground, she was allegedly kicked in the side and on her arms several times.Mercado allegedly took her cell phone and threatened to kill her if she called anybody. He allegedly said he would kill her or any police officer that came into the house and said she was not allowed to leave the bedroom.During the next several hours, the victim pretended to fall asleep but Mercado kept making threats, police said. He would only allow her to use the bathroom if he accompanied her, according to police.Police said that during a previous domestic incident between the couple, Mercado assaulted his girlfriend with a knife.The victim was only able to escape around 7 a.m. Sunday after Mercado fell into a deep sleep after using heroin, police said.A short time later, police woke up Mercado and placed him under arrest.The Lynn Police Department noted in a police report that Mercado is a high-risk offender. The report said that Mercado has made repeated threats to commit homicide and/or suicide, has perpetrated extreme violence to his girlfriend, the girlfriend believes Mercado might kill her, the severity of the violence against the victim has progressively gotten worse, he’s a drug addict and unemployed.During Mercado’s arraignment Monday in Lynn District Court, Judge Michael Lauranzano ordered him held without bail until at least Jan. 22 for a dangerousness hearing and a probable cause hearing can take place.Mercado’s criminal record includes an arrest on March 22, 2007 for two counts of assault and battery and one count of misdemeanor breaking and entering and another arrest on Dec. 19, 2006 for possession of a class D drug.Lynn attorney Jeffrey Sweeney is representing Mercado.