(WWJ) A Shelby Township man was arraigned Thursday on multiple charges in connection with two attempted kidnappings in two local communities.
Endi Bala, 23, is accused of grabbing a 7-year-old girl off her bike at Clinton River Park North, in the area of Van Dyke and 19 Mile Rd., in Sterling Heights on Tuesday. The child escaped, thanks to the quick actions of her aunt and a Good Samaritan.
Just about an hour earlier that same day, police allege that Bala tried to abduct a 15-year-old girl who was walking along Clinton River Rd., east of Hayes. in Clinton Township. In that case, police said Bala grabbed the teen by her neck and forced her into his car.
Again, a person who saw what was happening intervened and the teen was able to get away.
In the Sterling Heights case, Bala is charged with Kidnapping - Child Enticement, a life felony; Reckless Driving, a 93-day misdemeanor; and Assault and Battery, a 93-day misdemeanor.
In the Clinton Township case, Bala is charged with Attempted Unlawful Imprisonment, a five year felony; and Assault and Battery, a 93-day-misdemeanor.
In 41B District Court, Bala's bond was set at $2 million in the Clinton Township case, with multiple conditions if he is released. He was also ordered to have a mental health evaluation.
Bond was denied by Magistrate Michael Piatek in 41A Sterling Heights District Court, despite objections by Bala's defense attorney.
"Look, he's already got a $2 million bond in Clinton Township he tells me, and he had to surrender his passport," attorney Thomas Spitzer said. "So, I think that addresses the concerns that the prosecutor has. He's not even going to be able to make the $2 million bond. He nor his family have those means."
Macomb County Asst. Prosecuting Attorney Mark Laws argued that Bala is a flight risk, arguing that Bala has traveled internationally several times in the last few years. including two trips to Albania.
Earlier Thursday, WWJ's Mike Campbell reported the 7-year-old's aunt took to social media to thank the Good Samaritan. He's been identified as Scott VanLuven, a citizen volunteer with the Sterling Heights Police Department.
"I owe you my life," the aunt wrote, calling VanLuven "a real life hero."
Bala remains behind bars in the Macomb County Jail.
He's due back in court for a probable cause hearing in Clinton Township on Aug. 26, to be followed by another one in Sterling Heights on Aug. 27.