MACOMB COUNTY, MI – Good Samaritans are credited with rescuing two young girls from the captivity of a would-be kidnapper.
Endi Bala, 23, of Shelby Township, is accused of committing two attempted kidnappings about an hour apart in Macomb County on Tuesday, according to a news release from the Macomb County District Attorney’s Office.
“As a community, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to the brave Good Samaritans who did not hesitate to step in and risk their own safety to save these young girls,” District Attorney Peter J. Lucido said in a statement. “Their quick actions not only prevented a crime from occurring, but also ensured that these brave girls were able to return home safely.”
It is alleged that the defendant attempted to abduct a 15-year-old girl walking along Clinton River Road in Clinton Township around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, authorities said. A witness intervened, allowing the victim to escape, and the suspect fled the scene.
At 2:30 p.m., the defendant allegedly approached a 7-year-old girl near the entrance to Clinton River Park North in Sterling Heights, authorities said. He allegedly forcibly removed her from her bicycle, placed her in his car and attempted to leave the park. However, a passerby blocked the vehicle, allowing the child to escape.
“We will do everything in our power to ensure that the person responsible for this horrific act is brought to justice,” Lucido said.
In the Clinton Township case, the defendant was tried for attempted false imprisonment (a felony punishable by five years in prison) and assault (a misdemeanor punishable by 93 days in prison).
41B District Court Clinton Township Judge Ryan Zemke set bail at $2 million cash/surety. If released, Bala must wear a shackle, be under house arrest, have no contact with the victims or anyone under 18, and possess no weapons. He must surrender his passport. The court also ordered a psychiatric evaluation. He is due back in court on Tuesday, August 27.
In connection with the Sterling Heights incident, Bala was charged with kidnapping-child enticement (a life felony), reckless driving (a misdemeanor punishable by 93 days in prison), and assault.
41A Sterling Heights District Court Judge Michael Piatek denied bail and remanded Bala in jail. He is due back in court on Wednesday, August 28.
