NEWS RELEASE
MICHIGAN STATE POLICE
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Troopers from the Alpena Post responded to a residence in Alpena Township for an attempted child abduction. On the afternoon of May 10, 2023, an 8-year-old girl was mushroom hunting in her backyard when an unknown male appeared from the woods. The male subject held the victim’s mouth shut before a struggle ensued, and the girl was able to break free. The victim’s 13-year-old brother witnessed the assault occurring in the backyard and shot the suspect with his slingshot in the head and chest.
A description of the suspect was aired, and a family member observed a suspect matching the description fleeing the area. Troopers from the Alpena Post canvassed the area and were able to locate the suspect hiding at a nearby gas station.
The suspect was identified was a 17-year-old male from Alpena. He had obvious signs of an injury consistent with those that would have been sustained from the slingshot strikes to his head and chest. The 17-year-old suspect was lodged in the Alpena County Jail without incident.
The suspect was arraigned in the 88th District Court on May 11, 2023, on one count of attempted kidnapping/child enticement, one count of attempted assault to do great bodily harm less than Murder, and one count of assault and battery. The bond was set at $150,000 cash surety. He is being charged as an adult, and his next court appearance is on May 17, 2023, at 2 p.m.
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