CHRISTINE CHARNOSKY
Correspondent
WESTFIELD – A Southwick man is facing a slew of charges including kidnapping with a firearm and witness intimidation after a woman experienced a terrifying ordeal with him on June 5.
Steven A. Cruickshanks, 43, of 82 North Lake Avenue in Southwick was arraigned Monday in Westfield District Court on charges of assault and battery on a family member, assault with a dangerous weapon, felony charge of kidnapping with a firearm, witness intimidation and threat to commit a crime.
The victim, who was visibly upset and bruised, went to the Southwick Police station at 6 p.m. Friday to describe a scene that included being held at gunpoint by Cruickshanks, according to records.
The victim, who knows Cruickshanks, visited his home earlier that day and ended up allegedly being held captive in the defendant’s basement. At one point, Cruickshanks allegedly straddled the victim, held a gun to her head and said, “BANG!” according to the criminal complaint written by Southwick Police Officer Thomas Krutka.
Krutka’s report states the victim described the gun as small and grayish or silver. The gun, a small .38 caliber revolver, was later found at Cruickshanks’ home following his arrest.
During the dispute, the defendant allegedly confiscated the victim’s cellphone and threatened to kill her parents.
Cruickshanks forced the victim to write a note stating that she was the one who started the fight and that he had only acted in self defense, according to records.
The victim attempted to fight the defendant off, including kicking him “as hard as she could in the genital area” and was eventually able to escape after allegedly being held captive for approximately an hour and a half, according records.
Southwick police officers, with assistance of Suffield Police, arrested Cruickshanks, who was found in his red Silverado truck near his home, without incident, according to records.
When Krutka placed Cruickshanks under arrest, right away he stated, “for defending myself?” according to the criminal complaint.
Police returned to the North Lake Avenue residence with the victim and found firearms and ammunition, which were confiscated due to the victim receiving an abuse prevention order.
The victim was treated and released at Noble Hospital.
Cruickshanks was bailed out by Patricia Cruickshanks of North Granby, Connecticut, who paid $2,500 cash at 2:30 a.m. Sunday. He is scheduled to return to court on August 15.
