Man charged in attempted kidnapping of 7-year-old girl, imprisonment of teen in Metro Detroit
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) - A 23-year-old Shelby Township man is charged in connection with the attempted kidnapping of a 7-year-old girl and unlawful imprisonment of a 15-year-old girl in Macomb County.
The suspect, whose name was not immediately released, is charged with attempted unlawful imprisonment, assault and battery in the Clinton Township incident. He is charged with kidnapping and reckless driving in the Sterling Heights incident. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday.
Prosecutors alleged that at about 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, the man attempted to imprison the 15-year-old who was walking on Clinton River Road in Clinton Township. The teen was able to escape after a witness intervened.
An hour later, the man approached the 7-year-old at the Clinton River Park and pulled her off of her bike and into his car. Sterling Heights police said a resident, who is a member of the city's Citizens On Patrol, witnessed the incident and stopped the suspect from fleeing the park.
"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. We will pursue justice to ensure the safety of our community," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido in a statement.