A teenage girl from Detroit made a dramatic escape after allegedly being held captive by a suspected predator for more than a week, according to authorities.
Police say the 14-year-old was confined inside a boarded-up home on Detroit’s west side by a 38-year-old man. During her captivity, the suspect allegedly threatened to harm her family if she attempted to speak out. Investigators also reported that the girl was subjected to repeated sexual assault over several days.
Prosecutors have charged the suspect with 11 felony counts related to the abduction and assault.
According to Lisa Coyle, an attorney with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, the victim resisted throughout the ordeal. She described how the suspect used force to overpower the teen despite her attempts to fight back and call for help.
The girl had been reported missing on March 3 after she was last seen walking her dog. In the days that followed, her family launched a widespread search effort, distributing flyers and raising awareness across social media platforms.
Authorities believe this public attention played a critical role in her release. Prosecutors say the suspect eventually let the teen go after noticing her case gaining traction online as a missing person.
After returning home safely, the girl provided information that helped Detroit police locate and arrest the suspect.
Officials also revealed that the man had previously been released on bond in a separate case involving allegations that he threatened his wife with a firearm.
Detroit Police confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing, with officers continuing to gather evidence and pursue all available leads.