Brave Aunt and 7-Year-Old Girl Heroically Fend Off Kidnapper in Macomb County
At Protect Her Path, we believe that awareness, quick thinking, and bravery can make all the difference in life-threatening situations. This harrowing incident in Sterling Heights, Michigan, is a powerful example of how courage and determination can turn the tide against danger. The actions of this aunt, who fought to protect her niece from an attempted abduction, highlight the importance of being prepared and vigilant. Stories like these inspire us to continue our mission of empowering women and their families to defend themselves and stay safe.
In Sterling Heights, Michigan, Endi Bala, suspected of attempting to kidnap two girls in separate incidents, has been formally charged.
The attempted abduction took place on Tuesday, August 13th, around 2:20 p.m. at Riverland Park. A 7-year-old girl cried out for help from her aunt, Alecia.
“I couldn’t let her go,” Alecia said firmly. “There was no way I could let her go.”
Security camera footage shows Bala, from Shelby Township, attempting to kidnap the 7-year-old, and he is also accused of trying to abduct a 15-year-old earlier that same day in Clinton Township.
Alecia described how she leaped through the driver’s side window, grabbing the steering wheel and fighting Bala off.
“He was screaming, ‘Let go, let go,'” Alecia recalled. “His English was broken, but I just kept telling her not to give up. Thank God we were so connected, and she fought for her life.”
Alecia was on rollerblades at the time but was determined to save her niece.
“When I saw him approaching her, I raced over on my rollerblades, praying I wouldn’t fall. I dove through the driver’s window,” Alecia explained. “He was trying to throw her into the passenger seat and climb over her. We both fought for control of the steering wheel. I wedged my arms in as far as I could to keep from falling out because I couldn’t let her go.”
Bala was officially charged in court on Thursday afternoon.
Alecia also mentioned that her 8-year-old son was present and, during the chaos, placed himself in front of the car, trying to protect his cousin. He was injured as the car struck him while he tried to help.
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