A Westland man, Dakota Joseph Varana, age 29, has been charged with the kidnapping of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, holding her captive for over two days in a car. Varana is facing unlawful imprisonment, interfering with an electronic device, and domestic violence charges, according to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office. He has also been identified as a habitual offender, as reported by CBS News Detroit
Authorities allege the abduction occurred after the woman picked up Varana from the Upper Peninsula on September 6. Having assaulted her and gained control of the keys and cell phone, he is accused of forcibly retaining her in the vehicle until rescued. Reported as missing by her mother from her Warren home on Sunday, the victim, by passing a note to a store clerk, was able to signal for help, as The Detroit News relayed.
When police attempted a traffic stop upon locating the car, Varana drove away, eventually colliding with another vehicle. After a brief pursuit on foot, he was apprehended by Westland police. Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido condemned the act, stating, "The actions of this individual were not only criminal but profoundly cruel. By allegedly kidnapping and holding his pregnant ex-girlfriend against her will, he inflicted unimaginable trauma on both the victim and her unborn child. No one should ever have to endure such fear and helplessness," in a statement highlighted by audacy.
During his arraignment, the court set Varana's bond at $60,000, with a probable cause conference scheduled for September 24. Details regarding why Varana was in the Upper Peninsula or at which store the victim passed her crucial note were not initially specified. Amidst these events, the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office has issued a reminder to anyone facing domestic violence, pointing them to the available support from resources like the 24-hour Turning Point Macomb hotline or the emergency shelter, which can be reached at 586-463-6990.
