Michigan man accused of kidnapping pregnant ex and holding her hostage in her car for days

WESTLAND, Mich. (TCN) — A 29-year-old man is in custody on suspicion of abducting his ex-girlfriend and holding her against her will for over 48 hours.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office alleges that on Friday, Sept. 6, Dakota Varana hit his pregnant ex-girlfriend, took her car keys and cellphone, and kidnapped her when she went to pick him up from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Varana allegedly held the victim in her car for 2 1/2 days.

On Sunday, Sept. 8, the victim’s mother reported her daughter missing out of Warren. Prosecutors said the victim gave a note to a store clerk later that day indicating that she had been abducted.

Police used FLOCK to list the victim’s car and found the vehicle with Varana and his ex inside. When officers attempted a traffic stop, Varana allegedly drove away and struck another car. He reportedly fled on foot, but Westland Police eventually arrested him.

Prosecutors charged Varana, a habitual offender, with unlawful imprisonment, interfering with an electronic communications, and domestic violence. If convicted of all charges, he faces a sentence of over 17 years. At his arraignment, a judge set Varana’s bond at $60,000. He remains held in the Macomb County Jail and is set for a probable cause hearing on Sept. 24.

Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido said, “The actions of this individual were not only criminal but profoundly cruel. By allegedly kidnapping and holding his pregnant ex-girlfriend against her will, he inflicted unimaginable trauma on both the victim and her unborn child. No one should ever have to endure such fear and helplessness.”

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