A 29-year-old Michigan man, Dakota Joseph Varana, has been arraigned on charges related to the kidnapping of his pregnant ex-girlfriend. Varana is accused of abducting the victim on September 6th after she picked him up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Varana of Westland allegedly assaulted her, took her keys and phone, and held her captive in her own car for two and a half days.
Read: Michigan Man Charged In Connection To 3 Fentanyl-Related Deaths In Grosse Pointe
The victim’s mother reported her missing on September 8th, and later that day, the victim managed to slip a note to a store clerk revealing her kidnapping. Police located the vehicle using the FLOCK system, but Varana fled, leading to a chase and crash that ended in his arrest.
Varana faces charges of Unlawful Imprisonment, Interfering with Electronic Communications, and Domestic Violence. Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido condemned Varana’s actions, emphasizing the trauma inflicted on both the victim and her unborn child.
“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,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido
Read: Michigan Man Found Guilty In Brutal Killing Of Girlfriend By Stabbing And A Hammer
A $60,000 cash/surety bond was set, and a Probable Cause Hearing is scheduled for September 24th. The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office urges victims of domestic violence to seek help from their local police or Turning Point, a non-profit offering a 24-hour hotline and various support services.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.