Spine-chilling Kidnapping Attempt in Sterling Heights Shaken Off by Quick-Acting Bystanders
A Daring Attempt
An unsettling incident struck the city of Sterling Heights, Michigan, where a 23-year-old man allegedly tried to kidnap two girls in separate incidents on the same day. The culprit, later identified as Endi Bala, targeted a 15-year-old girl and, scarcely an hour later, a 7-year-old girl.
His initial attempt to abduct the 15-year-old girl took place in the neighboring town of Clinton Township. The teen explained that a strange car, which Bala was reported to have been driving, passed her before making a sudden U-turn to pause next to her. Despite rejecting his tyrannical offer twice, Bala allegedly grabbed her wrist and threatened her.
Bystanders Intervene
Observers quickly came to the teenager’s aid. One Paul Billiter pulled Bala out of the car and grappled with him as neighbors rallied to assist. Bala managed to escape, but not before Billiter noted the license plate on his car.
Within the hour, in Sterling Heights, Bala ostensibly conducted another ill-fated abduction, this time targeting a 7-year-old girl seen riding her bicycle. A harrowing video captured the moment when the suspect seized the child and positioned her into his car.
Audacious Rescue
Courageously, another passerby stepped in to save the young girl. Using his truck, he obstructed Bala’s car, preventing it from leaving the area. The girl’s aunt, alerted to the horrifying scene, quickly approached the car, seized the steering wheel, and endeavored to prevent Bala from fleeing.
The local police department identified the driver of the truck as Scott VanLuven, who managed to pull Bala out of the car and retained him until law enforcement arrived at the scene.
“I’m definitely still trying to process what happened. It’s something you don’t see every day,” VanLuven asserted. “I just feel for the family. I’m glad I was there to help.”
Aftermath
Bala pleaded not guilty at an arraignment last Thursday and was denied bond. A court-appointed lawyer is handling his case. Bala now remains behind bars related to the incident involving the 7-year-old in Sterling Heights. Additionally, he was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation in connection with the Clinton Township incident.
“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’s Prosecutor, Peter J. Lucido said. “Their quick actions not only thwarted a crime but also ensured that these brave girls were able to return home safely.”
