Lansing, MI – A 36-year-old man, Paul Joseph Walker, has been charged with kidnapping following an alleged abduction of a University of Michigan staff member in a parking structure near the campus on Monday, December 2.
According to Melissa Overton, Deputy Chief of Police for the University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security, Walker entered the vehicle of the 50-year-old female staff member around 8:30 p.m. in the Glen Parking Structure on Glen Avenue in Ann Arbor. After entering the car, Walker reportedly directed the driver to head toward downtown Ann Arbor.
Despite the harrowing situation, no weapon was used, and no physical injuries were reported. The victim was unharmed during the ordeal.
Walker was arraigned on charges of kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment on Wednesday, December 4, before 15th District Court Magistrate Tamara Garwood. Kidnapping is a felony in Michigan and is punishable by up to life in prison. Walker is currently being held in the Washtenaw County Jail with a bond set at $100,000. His next court appearance is scheduled for December 12.
The kidnapping incident is part of a troubling string of recent car-related crimes in the area. Overton reported that there had also been a car theft from the Michigan Medicine campus on November 28, along with an attempted car theft and attempted entry into an occupied vehicle.
Authorities have stated that they do not believe these incidents are connected but are urging drivers near the university to remain vigilant, report any suspicious behavior, and keep their vehicle doors locked.
Anyone with information related to the crimes is encouraged to contact the University of Michigan Department of Public Safety and Security at 734-763-1131, text 377911, or call the confidential tip line at 1-800-863-1355.
