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Local law enforcement is applauding multiple people who reportedly helped thwart a Shelby Township suspect’s alleged efforts to abduct two girls in two separate incidents the afternoon of Aug. 13.
The Clinton Township Police Department reported that the suspect, later identified as 23-year-old Endi Bala, allegedly tried to abduct someone using a white sedan at around 1:30 p.m. Aug. 13 in the vicinity of Clinton River Road, east of Hayes Road, in Clinton Township.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office says the victim was a 15-year-old girl who had been walking along Clinton River Road. Clinton Township police said the suspect reportedly “grabbed the victim around the head/neck area and forced her into the rear of his vehicle through the driver rear door.”
However, a Clinton Township resident “physically intervened” and stopped the abduction from taking place, allowing the girl to get away. Meanwhile, the suspect was reportedly able to get away too.
But police said the suspect was soon caught when he allegedly tried to abduct another victim – this time, a 7-year-old girl in Sterling Heights.
The Prosecutor’s Office said the suspect seized the girl off her bike at the entrance to Clinton River Park North. Although the suspect reportedly got the girl inside his car, a bystander boxed in the suspect’s vehicle so it couldn’t drive away. The girl’s aunt and cousin aided in her escape, and police were able to arrest the suspect.
Andrea Childers is the step-grandmother to the girl in the Sterling Heights abduction. The girl’s aunt — Childers’ step-daughter — was the one who intervened.
“Wherever he was taking her, she would’ve went too,” said Childers about her step-daughter.
Childers said the girl’s 8-year-old cousin tried to stop Bala, and he was struck by Bala’s vehicle and was taken to a hospital, but was not seriously injured. The two cousins are close.
“He wanted to be Superman and he wanted to save the day, and he did,” Childers said.
In an emailed statement, Sterling Heights Police Department Capt. Mario Bastianelli said his department heard about a park disturbance at around 2:20 p.m. He said that at the time, the SHPD was unaware of the reported Clinton Township abduction attempt.
“Prior to our arrival, we received information that there was an altercation, and a child was struck by a car,” Bastianelli’s statement explained. Bastianelli added that police also learned that a Sterling Heights resident who belongs to the SHPD’s Citizens on Patrol program saw what was happening and “then intervened and pulled the suspect out of the car.”
“Due to the outstanding job by the aunt of the 7 year old, our volunteer citizen and the officers who arrived quickly on scene,” the statement continued, “(a) very dangerous suspect was taken off the streets, and a 7 year old girl was saved from being further harmed.”
Bastianelli encouraged anyone with further information about the case to talk to police, adding that the department would pursue every felony charge legally possible.
In a press release, the Clinton Township Police Department also welcomed the actions of those who intervened in the cases.
“We at the Clinton Township Police Department wish to extend our gratitude to all individuals who came to the aid of the juvenile female victim in this incident,” the statement said.
“In addition, we also wish to relay our appreciation to those involved in thwarting the second abduction attempt in the City of Sterling Heights.”
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido promised to pursue justice.
“The swift actions of these brave young girls and bystanders, combined with the relentless dedication of our law enforcement, have prevented what could have been a tragic situation,” Lucido said.
“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,” Lucido said. “Their quick actions not only thwarted a crime but also ensured that these brave girls were able to return home safely.”
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office listed Bala’s charges in the Clinton Township case as attempted unlawful imprisonment, and assault and battery. The first charge is a felony that carries five years of imprisonment, while the second charge is a 93-day misdemeanor, prosecutors said.
Bala was arraigned Aug. 15 in Clinton Township’s 41-B District Court before Magistrate Ryan Zemke. Bond was set at $2 million cash/surety only, prosecutors said – if bond is posted, Bala would have to be confined at home, wear a tether, possess no weapons and not contact any minors.
The Prosecutor’s Office added that Bala has to undergo a mental health evaluation and surrender his passport to Clinton Township police. His next court date for that case will reportedly be an Aug. 27 probable cause conference before 41-B Chief Judge Sebastian Lucido.
The county said the Sterling Heights case brings charges of kidnapping - child enticement, reckless driving, and assault and battery. The first charge is a life felony, and the other two are 93-day misdemeanors, according to the county.
Bala was also reportedly arraigned Aug. 15 before 41-A Magistrate Michael Piatek. Bond was denied, and a probable cause conference was slated for Aug. 28 before Judge Kimberley Wiegand.
At press time, Bala had no listed attorney in either case.
Childers said the family is trying to get back to normal, but it’s been difficult. She said her granddaughter has been having flashbacks to the event.
“I can see it in everybody. We’re empty right now,” she said. “We’re tapped.”
Staff Writer Nick Powers contributed to this report.
Call Staff Writer Eric Czarnik at (586) 498-1058.
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