23-Year-Old Man Arraigned After Multiple Attempted Kidnappings in Metro Detroit
(WXYZ) — Endi Bala, a 23-year-old resident of Shelby Township, appeared in court on Thursday afternoon to face serious charges stemming from the alleged attempted kidnappings of two young girls in Clinton Township and Sterling Heights.
Charges Filed Following Disturbing Incidents
Bala has been charged with Attempted Unlawful Imprisonment and Assault and Battery regarding the incident in Clinton Township. His alleged offenses escalate with charges related to the Sterling Heights event, including Kidnapping – Child Enticement, Reckless Driving, and Assault and Battery.
In light of the Clinton Township charges, the court set his bond at an extraordinary $2 million, while in the case pertaining to Sterling Heights, bail was denied altogether.
Details of the First Incident
The first incident took place on Clinton River Road, situated between Hayes and Garfield. Quick-witted bystander Paul Billiter intervened heroically during the unfolding drama.
Billiter recalled rushing to help after observing the victim—a 15-year-old girl—scream in distress. “The scream was unlike anything I’ve ever heard—a sound of pure terror,” he remarked.
Billiter, a well-built 6’5 and 270 pounds, confronted the suspect and stated, “I grabbed him and told him he wasn’t going anywhere with that girl.” Eventually, the suspect managed to flee, but the pursuit was not over.
Swift Response Leads to Arrest
Authorities traced Bala, who was later apprehended after another near-abduction incident in Sterling Heights within an hour. Witnesses described a chaotic scene at Clinton River Park on the day of the second incident, where Bala attempted to take a 7-year-old girl.
Second Incident: A Parent’s Nightmare
Alecia Swejkoski experienced the horrifying moment firsthand when she noticed a man get out of his car to approach her niece, who was playing nearby. “He was just too close, and I suddenly felt something was terribly wrong,” she shared.
As Bala attempted to drive off with the girl, Alecia heroically clung to the vehicle, resisting with all her might. Despite sustaining injuries during the struggle, she continued to shout for her niece to escape.
Community Heroes Respond
Scott Van Luven, who was passing the park, witnessed the ordeal and intervened to help Alecia fend off the assailant. “I saw the man trying to drive away and I just reacted,” he said, successfully detaining Bala until police arrived on the scene.
