Two attempted child abductions in Macomb County have led to the arraignment of a 23-year-old Shelby Township man. Endi Bala faces multiple charges after incidents in Clinton Township and Sterling Heights. According to WWJ Newsradio, Bala was arraigned yesterday with his bond set at $2 million in the Clinton Township case and denied bond in Sterling Heights by Magistrate Michael Piatek.
In the first incident, which took place in Clinton Township, a 15-year-old girl was almost forced into Bala's car. ClickOnDetroit reported that a resident intervened to help the girl escape. Approximately an hour later, Bala allegedly attempted to kidnap a 7-year-old girl in Sterling Heights. This abduction was thwarted by the child's aunt and Scott Van-Luven, a citizen volunteer with the Sterling Heights Police Department who was identified as the Good Samaritan in the matter.
Bala's charges for the Clinton Township incident include attempted unlawful imprisonment and assault and battery. As for the Sterling Heights case, he is charged with kidnapping, assault and battery, and reckless driving. The kidnapping charge alone carries a maximum life sentence. During the arraignment, Bala's defense attorney argued for a lower bond, citing the high amount already set in the adjacent jurisdiction and Bala's surrendered passport. Macomb County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mark Laws, however, pointed out that Bala is considered a flight risk, having traveled internationally in the past.
Details of the brave interventions by witnesses were highlighted by local media. "The aunt immediately just completely went into warrior mode," Sterling Heights police Chief Dale Dwojakowski said, as per ClickOnDetroit. This sentiment was echoed by Hoodline from the Sterling Heights Police Department, which praised the rapid response of the aunt, the voluntary citizen, and police officers in preventing the abduction.
