Two separate attempted kidnappings were thwarted by bystanders in Michigan, who intervened to help two girls escape from a man trying to force them into his car in broad daylight. The incidents happened just an hour apart, with Endi Bala, 23, allegedly attempting to kidnap a 15-year-old girl in Clinton Township and a 7-year-old girl in Sterling Heights.
In the first incident, a bystander, Paul Billiter, witnessed a man grabbing the 15-year-old girl and forcing her into his car. Billiter intervened, grabbing the man and allowing the girl to escape. The suspect fled the scene but was later arrested after he attempted to kidnap the 7-year-old girl in Sterling Heights.
In the second incident, the 7-year-old girl’s aunt, Alecia Swejkoski, saw Bala trying to force her niece into his car and intervened, fighting with the suspect to allow the girl to escape. Another driver blocked Bala’s vehicle, enabling the girl to run away.
Bala was charged with kidnapping, reckless driving, assault and battery, attempted unlawful imprisonment, and assault and battery in connection with the incidents. He was ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation and had his bond set at $2 million for the Clinton Township charges. Bala is scheduled for probable cause hearings in both cases in August.
The brave actions of the bystanders in these incidents helped prevent the kidnappings, and the girls involved are recovering from the traumatic events. Authorities urge parents to be vigilant and keep a close eye on their children to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
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