A volunteer for a Police Department in Michigan is receiving high praise for his swift actions in preventing the reported abduction of a 7-year-old girl.
A video was released by the Sterling Heights Police Department on Thursday, revealing a disturbing incident where a suspect forcibly took a young girl from her bike and her in his vehicle.
The girl’s aunt acted swiftly, rushing to the vehicle and firmly gripping the steering wheel to stop him from escaping.
Scott VanLuven, a member of the Sterling Heights Citizen Patrol, was driving home from work when he spotted a woman hanging out of the driver’s side of a moving vehicle, according to the police.
Officers state that VanLuven promptly turned around and prevented the vehicle from exiting the park.
“Scott exited his truck and then removed the suspect from the vehicle and did not let him leave until police arrived on scene,” police said.
“If it were not for the quick actions of the little girl’s Aunt, as well as Scott Vanluven, who knows what would have happened to that poor child,” police continued. “These individuals are absolute HEROES and we are so grateful that they were quick to act!”
According to authorities, earlier today, the suspect made an unsuccessful attempt to abduct a 15-year-old girl in Clinton Township. However, another individual intervened and successfully fought off the suspect.
“These events took place in the middle of the day and in our case, right next to a busy road out in the open,” officers warned. “Please watch out for one another and keep our communities strong!”