Bryan Purdie (Falmouth Police)
FALMOUTH – Falmouth Police report that on Thursday at approximately 2:02 PM, they received a report of a gun being fired at 31 Carriage Shop Road. As officers responded to the area, a gray BMW was seen leaving the house and fleeing at a high rate of speed. Officers were informed by dispatch that the operator (later identified as Bryan Purdie, 32, Falmouth) had taken a female at gunpoint, struck her in the head with the gun, and had her in the car with him. Purdie refused to stop for police and a pursuit ensued. His reckless operation included hitting another vehicle (no reported injury), weaving into oncoming traffic, and passing a school bus that was stopped to let children out. Police lost sight of the vehicle, but a motorist stopped and advised an officer that he saw the vehicle turn onto Pine Ridge Road from Old Barnstable Road. Responding officers quickly saturated the small residential neighborhood and located the vehicle stopped at a dead end. Mr. Purdie was on foot in the immediate area and was quickly taken into custody. He did not have possession of the firearm when he was located. The female was soon found on a nearby street and had injuries consistent with having been struck in the head with a blunt object.
Massachusetts State Police Officers, including an MSP K-9 responded and assisted with the search for the firearm. A Barnstable County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigator responded to assist with processing evidence.
Officers at 31 Carriage Shop Road were able to determine that Mr. Purdie forcibly entered the residence. When inside, he fired a shot at a female victim but missed her. He then held 4 individuals at gunpoint and took their cell phones to prevent them from attempting to call for help. When the female attempted to flee, he pursued her and forced her at gunpoint into the vehicle, which then led to the pursuit.
Bryan Purdie has been arrested and charged with the following: Home Invasion, Kidnapping, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon, Domestic Assault and Battery, Failing to Stop for Police, Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle, Leaving the Scene of an Accident with Property Damage, Failing to Stop for a School Bus, and various other associated motor vehicle offenses. Mr. Purdie is being held on $50,000 bail pending his arraignment tomorrow. This remains an active investigation, and other charges may be pending.
Photos by David Curran/Satellite News Service/CWN (used with permission)
