ROSEVILLE, Mich. – A 39-year-old Hamtramck man is accused of binding and torturing another man with nails in the basement of a home during an effort to extort $14,000 from him.
Roseville police said the victim, a Kentwood resident, and the suspect, Edward Palokaj, have had an on-again-off-again business relationship for the last few years. On Friday, the two met in Palokaj's girlfriend's Roseville home to discuss a $14,000 loan he wanted from the victim to use as a down payment on a restaurant.
When the victim refused to consent to the loan, Palokaj bound him to a chair and used a hammer and nails to inflict puncture wounds, police said.
The victim was also hit in the head and body several times by Palokaj, police said.
Eventually, the victim called his boss and asked for the money, police said.
The boss, police said, knew something was amiss and asked officers in Southfield to go with him as he met up with Palokaj and victim.
"Southfield police were waiting when the victim and the suspect arrived, and after ascertaining the circumstances, were able to place the suspect in this matter under arrest for extortion without incident," the department said in a statement.
Palokaj is charged with extortion, torture and unlawful imprisonment. His bond was set at $250,000. He will be held in the Macomb County Jail until his preliminary exam on Aug. 19.
Police said the victim's injuries were minor, and he was treated and released at a hospital.