Arraigned in Multiple District Courts

A 23-year-old man from Shelby Township, Michigan, Endi Bala, was charged in connection with two alleged kidnapping incidents involving a pair of young girls. The events took place Thursday afternoon in Clinton Township and Sterling Heights district courts where Bala was arraigned. Charges include attempted unlawful imprisonment, a potential five year felony and assault and battery, a 93-day-misdemeanor, related to the Clinton Township incident.

Sterling Heights Incident

In the Sterling Heights occurrence, Bala faced charges of kidnapping – child enticement, a life felony in Michigan; reckless driving, a 93-day misdemeanor; and assault and battery, also a 93-day misdemeanor. Authorities believe he attempted to abduct a 15-year-old girl in Clinton Township at approximately 1:30 p.m. on August 13, and an hour later a 7-year-old girl in Sterling Heights.

Strict Bond and Release Conditions

For the Clinton Township episode, Magistrate Ryan Zemke set bond at $2 million cash surety only. If released, strict conditions will follow which include: Bala must wear a steel cuff tether, have no weapons, have no contact with the victims, and avoid any contact with individuals under the age of 18. Additionally, Bala must forfeit his passport to the Clinton Township Police Department. A broader order for a mental health evaluation was also put into effect.

In contrast, during proceedings in Sterling Heights, Magistrate Michael Piatek denied bond and Bala was remanded to the Macomb County Jail without an option for bail.

Timely Intervention Prevented Abductions

Bala allegedly tried to abduct the teenager in Clinton Township near Hayes Road. The attempted abduction of the girl was swiftly thwarted when a citizen intervened, allowing the victim to escape. The suspect then fled the scene in a white sedan.

An hour later, Bala allegedly forcibly removed a seven-year-old girl from her bicycle in Clinton River Park North, placed her in his car, and attempted to escape with her. A quick-thinking member of the city’s Citizen on Patrol program blocked Bala’s vehicle, enabling the young girl to safely escape.

Outpouring of Gratitude

“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,” stated Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido. “Their quick actions not only thwarted a crime but, more importantly, ensured that these brave girls were able to return home safely.”

The court schedules for both cases are closely following, with a probable cause hearing for the Clinton Township incident lined up for Aug. 27 in front of Judge Sebastian Lucido. Meanwhile, another hearing is slated for the Sterling Heights incident on Aug. 28 in front of Judge Kimberely Wiegand.