Westland man accused of kidnapping pregnant ex-girlfriend, holding her in her car for more than two days

WESTLAND (WWJ) — A Westland man is facing charges for allegedly kidnapping his pregnant ex-girlfriend and holding her for more than two days.

The woman was able to pass a note to a store clerk saying she had been kidnapped, which ultimately led to her rescue.

Dakota Varana, 29, was arraigned this week on charges of unlawful imprisonment, interfering with an electronic communications device and misdemeanor domestic violence. He is charged as a habitual second offender.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office alleges that Varana kidnapped his ex-girlfriend on Friday, Sept. 6 when she came to pick him up from the Upper Peninsula. He allegedly hit the woman and took her car keys and cell phone.

Varana then allegedly held the victim in her car for two and a half days. The woman’s mother reported her missing from her Warren home on Sunday.

That same day, the victim was able to pass a note to a store clerk saying that she had been kidnapped.

Police listed the victim's vehicle in FLOCK and located the vehicle with Varana and the victim inside. Varana allegedly failed to pull over for a traffic stop and then ran from the scene when he hit another car.

Varana was eventually arrested by Westland police officers.

"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," Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido said, per a press release.

Bond was set at $60,000 cash/surety. His next court date has been scheduled for Sept. 24.

While the prosecutor's office said the kidnapping took place in the Upper Peninsula, officials did not specify where or why Varana was in the U.P. It was also not clear at which store the victim slipped the note to the clerk.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office encourages anyone experiencing domestic violence to contact their local police department and/or Turning Point Macomb, a non-profit organization that helps victims of domestic violence.

Turning Point has a 24-hour hotline and an emergency shelter available by calling 586-463-6990. Turning Point also offers a community advocacy housing program, trauma advocacy and counseling services.

“Remember, you are not alone, and there are people and resources available to help you,” the sheriff’s office said in a release.

More information on available resources can be found on the county’s website .