A Sterling Heights family is grateful to a man who prevented the kidnapping of a seven-year-old girl last week and had the opportunity to thank him in person.
Scott Van-Luven is described as a “superhero” by the girl’s family. Van-Luven is a member of the Sterling Heights Police Department’s Citizens on Patrol – and was definitely in the right place at the right time.
Two attempted kidnappings in Macomb County
Last week, two children were nearly kidnapped in Macomb County. Police released surveillance video showing a man snatching a little girl from her bike in Clinton River Park North.
The man managed to get the seven-year-old girl into his car while the girl’s aunt fought with the man to save her.
Van-Luven showed that not all heroes wear a cape.
As the suspect attempted to drive off, Van-Luven intervened and blocked the kidnapper’s vehicle with his truck. The suspect, 23-year-old Endi Bala, was arrested and is being held on charges of attempted false imprisonment, assault, kidnapping and reckless driving, according to Detroit’s WDIV-TV.
An emotional reunion in Sterling Heights
Following the incident, the girl’s family expressed their gratitude online and said they would be delighted to have the opportunity to meet the Good Samaritan in person.
WDIV-TV reporter Nick Monacelli was able to make the connection and arranged a meeting on Monday (August 19) at the Sterling Heights Community Center.
In the video below, you can see the emotional reunion when Aunt Alecia, 7-year-old Olivia, 8-year-old Dominic and Olivia’s mother Coryn had the opportunity to meet Scott Van-Luven and personally thank him for saving the girl from the unthinkable.
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Gallery credit: George McIntyre
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