A 23-year-old Michigan man named Endi Bala was arrested after attempting to kidnap two girls in separate incidents. The first attempt occurred when he tried to abduct a 15-year-old girl in Clinton Township, who was saved by a bystander who intervened after witnessing the driver attempting to force the girl into his car. The driver fled the scene after the bystanders got involved. Approximately an hour later, Bala approached a 7-year-old girl who was riding her bicycle in Sterling Heights. Surveillance footage captured Bala grabbing the girl and placing her in his car. Another bystander used his truck to block the car from leaving the area, and the girl’s aunt reached in to grab the steering wheel in an effort to prevent Bala from driving away. The driver of the truck, Scott VanLuven, was able to pull Bala out of the car and hold him until police arrived.
Bala pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and was denied bond, being jailed in connection with the incident involving the 7-year-old girl. He was also ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation in connection with the Clinton Township incident. Bala is scheduled for a probable cause hearing in late August. Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido expressed gratitude to the bystanders who intervened, stating that their quick actions not only prevented a crime but also ensured that the girls were able to return home safely. The community owes an immense debt of gratitude to these brave individuals who put themselves at risk to save the children.
The 15-year-old girl who was the victim of Bala’s first abduction attempt recalled the frightening incident on camera, mentioning that she knew something was wrong when the car made a U-turn to stop next to her as she was walking down the street. After she rejected the driver’s offer to take her home, he grabbed her wrist and threatened her. It was then that Paul Billiter, a bystander, intervened. Billiter saw the driver push the girl’s head into the car door and decided to step in. He prevented the driver from taking the girl and ultimately played a crucial role in foiling the abduction attempt. The community came together to support the girl and stop the perpetrator.
The second abduction attempt involving the 7-year-old girl was captured on surveillance footage released by local police. The video shows Bala grabbing the child and placing her in his car before attempting to leave the area. The quick actions of bystanders, including blocking the car with a truck and reaching in to grab the steering wheel, prevented Bala from driving away with the girl. The driver of the truck, Scott VanLuven, held Bala against the vehicle until police arrived. VanLuven expressed shock at the incident and empathy for the family of the girls involved. The bravery and quick thinking of the bystanders played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the children.
Bala was charged with offenses including attempted unlawful imprisonment in connection with the two abduction attempts. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and was granted a court-appointed attorney. The judge denied bond and ordered Bala to undergo a mental health evaluation. He is scheduled for a probable cause hearing in August to determine next steps in the legal proceedings. The community has expressed gratitude for the courageous actions of the bystanders who intervened to prevent the abductions. Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido commended the Good Samaritans for their quick actions and willingness to put themselves at risk to protect the children. The successful intervention of the bystanders ensured that both girls were able to return home safely and that the perpetrator was apprehended.
