SAGINAW, MI — A Saginaw man has been charged with kidnapping two women, tying them up, and placing them in a car trunk as he drove them around for several days.
Saginaw County District Judge Terry L. Clark on Tuesday, Sept. 21, arraigned 33-year-old Chad E. Bryant on two counts of kidnapping and single counts of first-degree home invasion, felonious assault, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, unlawfully driving away a motor vehicle, carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent, and possession of methamphetamine. Kidnapping is a life offense.
Bryant appeared before the judge via Zoom from the Saginaw County Jail. Clad in a black-and-white striped jumpsuit, the seated Bryant often smirked, yawned, and scratched himself during his arraignment.
An Endangered Missing Advisory issued by the Michigan State Police the morning of Friday, Sept. 17, stated two women, ages 38 and 28, were missing and believed to be in danger. The older woman had been in a dating relationship with Bryant, police have said.
Police said a relative reported Bryant had kidnapped the two women about 11 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16, from one of the women’s Saginaw Township home.
MSP Lt. Kimberly Vetter said it is believed the women were abducted the night of Monday, Sept. 13, or early the next morning. Bryant allegedly brandished a knife during the ordeal, Vetter said.
The afternoon of Friday, the 28-year-old woman managed to escape her confinement and sought help, Vetter said. Troopers responded to an abandoned house in Owosso and found the older victim.
Bryant briefly barricaded himself inside the house before surrendering to troopers.
Both women suffered non-life-threatening injuries for which they were hospitalized, Vetter said. They have since been discharged, the lieutenant added.
Speaking at Bryant’s arraignment, Saginaw County Assistant Prosecutor Shellbe A. Sanborn described the case’s facts as “incredibly disturbing.”
“It’s alleged that Mr. Bryant broke into one of the victim’s homes,” Sanborn said. “He hogtied and bound two victims, placing them in the trunk of a vehicle after stealing that vehicle and kept them captive for multiple days, driving around multiple counties.”
The vehicle was stolen from a third woman, who shares her surname with the younger of the two abducted women, Sanborn said.
Additionally, Bryant was on probation for stalking and had personal protection orders issued against him regarding one the elder of the two kidnapped women, Sanborn said. He has three pending criminal cases in Saginaw County, two of which involve felonies.
Bryant was free on bond when the abductions occurred. He was arraigned June 4 on charges of unlawful imprisonment, felonious assault, assault with intent to cause great bodily harm, and second-offense domestic violence.
On June 16, Bryant’s bond was amended and he was freed from the county jail on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond.
On Sept. 14, authorities issued a warrant for Bryant on charges of felonious assault and felony firearm-pneumatic gun.
Sanborn added there is no indication Bryant kidnapped the women for purposes of extorting money or property from them.
Defense attorney Dominic A. Lambaria, also speaking at the Tuesday arraignment, said Bryant previously lived at the same address he allegedly abducted the women from for about six years. Bryant also has three children he provides for, paying $160 per month in child support, Lambaria said.
Bryant is in “dire financial circumstances,” has no living relatives, and is unable to work, Lambaria said.
Judge Clark denied granting Bryant bond on both kidnapping counts. He also said the probability of conviction appears high.
“The Court does feel Mr. Bryant is a danger to the community,” Clark said.
Bryant is to appear for a preliminary examination at 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 12.
Read more:
Abducted Saginaw Township women found alive, suspect in police custody
Police looking for missing Saginaw Township women believed to be held against their will
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