FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Contact: Dawn Fraylick, Communications Director
Office: +1 (586) 469-5737
Cell: +1 (586) 842-4421
Email: Dawn.Fraylick@macombgov.org
August 15, 2024
Shelby Township Man Arraigned for Alleged Kidnapping and Attempted Unlawful Imprisonment Involving Two Girls
Mount Clemens, MI - A 23-year-old Shelby Township man was arraigned today in connection with two incidents involving two young girls.
It is alleged that on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, around 1:30 PM, Endi Bala attempted to unlawfully imprison a 15-year-old girl who was walking along Clinton River Road in Clinton Township. A witness intervened, allowing the victim to escape, and the suspect fled the scene. Approximately an hour later, at 2:30 PM in Sterling Heights, Bala allegedly approached a seven-year-old girl near the entrance of Clinton River Park North, where he forcibly took her off her bicycle, and placed her in his car, and attempted to leave the park. However, a bystander blocked Bala's vehicle, enabling the young girl to escape.
Endi Bala was charged with Attempted Unlawful Imprisonment, a five year felony, and Assault and Battery, a 93-day-misdemeanor in the Clinton Township incident. He was charged with Kidnapping - Child Enticement, a life felony, Reckless Driving, a 93-day misdemeanor, and Assault and Battery, a 93-day misdemeanor in the Sterling Heights incident.
In connection with the Clinton Township incident, Endi Bala was arraigned in the 41B Clinton Township District Court where Magistrate Ryan Zemke set bond at $2 Million cash/surety only. If released Bala must wear a steel cuff tether, be on home confinement, have no contact with the victims or anyone under the age of 18 and have no weapons. Bala must forfeit his passport to the Clinton Township Police Department. He was also ordered to have a mental health evaluation. A Probable Cause Hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 8:30am by District Court Judge Sebastian Lucido.
Regarding the Sterling Heights incident, Bala was arraigned in 41A Sterling Heights District Court where Magistrate Michael Piatek denied bond and remanded Bala to the Macomb County Jail. A Probable Cause Hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 8:30am by District Court Judge Kimberely Wiegand.
“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. Their quick actions not only thwarted a crime but also ensured that these brave girls were able to return home safely. We will do everything in our power to ensure that the individual responsible for this terrifying act faces justice,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the People. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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