Westland Man Accused of Kidnapping Pregnant Ex-Girlfriend
WESTLAND, Mich. — A man from Westland, identified as Dakota Joseph Varana, is facing serious legal trouble after he allegedly kidnapped his pregnant ex-girlfriend and held her hostage for days. The accused, who is 29 years old, reportedly committed these acts over the course of several days beginning on September 6, 2024.
Victim’s Trip to the Upper Peninsula
The troubling incident started when the victim drove to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to pick up Varana. Once she arrived, the situation took a dark turn. According to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, Varana is accused of physically assaulting the victim by hitting her. Following the attack, he allegedly took her car keys and cell phone, effectively trapping her in the vehicle.
Days of Captivity
Authorities state that Varana held his ex-girlfriend hostage in her own car for a harrowing period of 2 and a half days. During this time, the victim’s mother grew increasingly concerned when she noticed her daughter was missing from their home in Warren. On September 8, the victim’s mother contacted the police to report her missing.
A Desperate Escape
While still detained, the victim managed to slip a note to a store clerk during a brief trip to a local store. In the note, she communicated the grave situation she was in, indicating that she had been kidnapped. The police were quickly notified, and they entered her vehicle’s license plate number into a specialized tracking system called the FLOCK license plate reader system.
Police Pursuit
Law enforcement officers successfully located the vehicle, but Varana realized he was being tracked and attempted to flee. He crashed the vehicle into another car in Inkster and then exited the vehicle. In a frantic effort to escape, he ran away, leaving the victim behind. However, the local police were quick to respond and managed to apprehend Varana shortly thereafter.
Legal Consequences
Varana, who has been identified as a second-time habitual offender, is now facing several serious charges. He has been charged with unlawful imprisonment, interfering with electronic communications, and domestic violence. Additionally, it was revealed that he has a previous felony conviction for unarmed robbery.
Prosecutor’s Statement
The Macomb County Prosecutor, Pete Lucido, spoke out against Varana’s alleged actions, labeling them as not only criminal but also “profoundly cruel.” He emphasized the trauma that the victim and her unborn child experienced as a result of the ordeal. “No one should ever have to endure such fear and helplessness,” said Lucido.
Current Status
As the legal proceedings begin, Varana’s bond has been set at $60,000 cash/surety. The case highlights serious concerns about domestic violence and the safety of individuals in similar situations.
Community Reaction
The community has been shaken by the news of this incident. Many residents expressed their concerns regarding the safety of women and the need for increased awareness and support for those facing domestic violence challenges. The story serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and support for potential victims.
This disturbing case is still unfolding, and many are keeping a close eye on how it progresses in court.
