News Summary
A 14-year-old girl was kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and held captive for over 24 hours in Wayne County. The suspect, Charles Willis, lured her via Snapchat and has been charged with multiple felonies. The police urge parents to monitor their children’s online activities to prevent such incidents.
Northville, MI – A 14-year-old girl from Barry County was reportedly kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and held captive in a basement in Wayne County, according to local authorities. The suspect, identified as 22-year-old Charles Willis from metro Detroit, is accused of luring the victim through Snapchat and arranging transportation via a rideshare app. Willis faces multiple felony charges including kidnapping and criminal sexual conduct and is currently held in Wayne County Jail with a bond set at $1 million.
The Northville Township Police Department is spearheading the investigation into this disturbing case. The girl was held captive for more than 24 hours before managing to escape. She was found alone on 7 Mile Road in Northville, wrapped in a blanket. Initially, she misled officers by indicating she had been at a friend’s house. However, she later revealed the truth about her captivity.
Once rescued, the victim provided officers with vital information that assisted them in identifying the location where she was held. Detectives executed a search warrant at Willis’ residence shortly after the girl’s escape. This search led to the seizure of substantial evidence, including computers, cellphones, cameras, rape kits, and clothing, which may be linked to the crime. A bean bag chair found in the basement was specifically noted to be covered in dried male ejaculate, further implicating Willis in the alleged offenses.
Two days following the victim’s escape, police conducted a welfare check at Willis’ home, which ultimately resulted in his arrest. Authorities are taking this case seriously, particularly given that Willis has a prior history of accusations related to inappropriate behavior involving minors. As a result of these allegations, police are urging the local community to be vigilant about their children’s online interactions, particularly on social media platforms like Snapchat that may be exploited by predators.
The Northville Township Police Department is also examining rideshare app records to understand the circumstances surrounding how Willis and the girl connected. Although Uber drivers receive training to identify unaccompanied minors, concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of this training in preventing such tragic incidents. Parents are encouraged to actively supervise their children’s internet use and online interactions to mitigate the risk of exposure to potential dangers.
Given the nature of the case, investigators believe there may be additional victims connected to Willis. Authorities are continuing to investigate and gather further evidence while remaining committed to the safety and well-being of the community. A preliminary examination for Willis is scheduled in Wayne County District Court, where more details regarding the allegations are expected to unfold.
This case highlights the critical importance of parental involvement in monitoring their children’s online activities and maintaining open lines of communication about the potential dangers of social media and rideshare services.
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