STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – A man who’s accused of trying to kidnap two girls in broad daylight appeared twice Thursday in Macomb County courtrooms.
Clinton Township
Endi Bala, 23, of Shelby Township, is accused of trying to kidnap a 15-year-old girl around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday to the area of Hayes and Clinton River roads in Clinton Township.
The girl told officers that she had been walking when Bala grabbed her around the head or neck area. He forced her into the back of his white car through the rear driver’s side door, officials said.
A Clinton Township resident saw what was happening and intervened, allowing the girl to run away and alert others.
Bala had fled the scene before police arrived.
Sterling Heights
About an hour later, Bala targeted another girl, this time in Sterling Heights, according to authorities.
Police said a 7-year-old girl was at Clinton River Park North just before 2:30 p.m. Tuesday with her aunt and cousin.
Surveillance video shows Bala getting out of a white car, walking over to the girl, grabbing her off her bike, and running back to the car, according to authorities.
The girl’s aunt ran up to the car and fought with Bala as he tried to drive away, police said. Scott Van-Luven, who was in his truck nearby, blocked Bala from driving away.
“I pulled him out and pushed him against his vehicle and held him there until police officers arrived,” said Van-Luven, who is a member of Citizens on Patrol for the Sterling Heights Police Department.
“The aunt immediately just completely went into warrior mode,” Sterling Heights police Chief Dale Dwojakowski said. “That aunt jumps in the passenger side of the car and starts fighting with the suspect as he’s trying to drive the car forwards and backwards to shake her out of the car.”
“As a community, we owe an immense debt of gratitude to the courageous good Samaritans who stepped in without hesitation, risking their own safety to save these young girls,” Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said. “Their quick actions not only thwarted a crime, but also ensured that these brave girls were able to return home safely. We will do everything in our power to ensure that the individual responsible for this terrifying act faces justice.”
Clinton Township arraignment
Bala was arraigned Thursday at 41B Clinton Township District Court for the first case.
He’s charged with attempted unlawful imprisonment, a five-year felony, and assault and battery, a 93-day misdemeanor.
Bond was set at $2 million, cash/surety. He was told he must wear a steel cuff tether and remain on home confinement, if released. He can’t have any contact with children or possess weapons.
Bala was told to forfeit his passport to the Clinton Township Police Department.
A mental health evaluation is also scheduled.
A probable cause conference is set for 8:30 a.m. Aug. 27.
--> Hear from aunt who fought off man trying to abduct 7-year-old girl in Macomb County
Sterling Heights arraignment
A not-guilty plea was entered for Bala at his second arraignment, which took place at 41A Sterling Heights District Court.
“The case pending in Sterling Heights is the enticement and kidnapping of a 7-year-old girl who was riding her bike down the street,” the prosecutor said.
Bala is charged with kidnapping, assault and battery, and reckless driving. The kidnapping charge is a felony with a maximum punishment of life in prison, while the other two charges are 93-day misdemeanors.
A lawyer requested a court-appointed attorney for Bala.
Prosecutors asked for Bala to be held on $5 million bond, while the defense lawyer asked for $50,000, or 10%.
Magistrate Michael Piatek went a step further and ordered Bala to be held without bond. Bala was remanded to the Macomb County Jail.
“I find him to be a threat to both the public and a threat not to reappear,” Piatek said. “As a result of that, there will be no bond conditions.”
A probable cause conference is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Aug. 28, via Zoom. An in-person preliminary examination is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Sept. 4.
You can watch the full Sterling Heights arraignment below.