Suspect Arrested After Allegedly Trying To Lure Michigan Child

There are certain stories that instantly hit you differently when you’re a parent, and this is definitely one of them. A family in Brighton Township is thanking their daughter for making a smart decision after what police say was an attempted child abduction Wednesday night.

Brighton Township Family Praising Daughter’s Quick Thinking

According to Michigan State Police, an 8-year-old girl was riding her bike in the Alger Pines subdivision near Old US-23 around 7 p.m. when a man allegedly approached her and tried to lure her into a wooded area by promising her “a surprise.” Thankfully, the little girl immediately told her mom what happened, and honestly, that may have prevented something much worse.

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WXYZ reports that the girl’s father then went out looking for the suspect and actually confronted him. Police say the man didn’t respond when questioned, but the dad was able to snap a photo before the suspect took off on a Segway-type scooter. Honestly, that detail alone makes this story even stranger.

Neighbor’s Tip Helped Investigators Quickly Find Suspect

What really helped investigators crack the case quickly was a neighbor who recognized the suspect from earlier in the day. The man had reportedly been going door-to-door selling pest control services in the neighborhood while wearing a company ID badge. The neighbor contacted police and shared the information, which ultimately helped detectives identify and arrest the suspect Thursday at a hotel in Auburn Hills.

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Police say the investigation is still very active as detectives search the suspect’s hotel room and vehicle for possible evidence or links to other crimes. While neighbors are understandably shaken up, many are also praising the little girl for doing exactly what kids are taught to do: trust your instincts, get away, and tell an adult immediately.