HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – The man accused of kidnapping a 16-year-old girl while she was waiting for the school bus was arraigned in court on Thursday.
Donald James Joseph Arthur Fields, 48, was charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping, one count of felonious assault, three counts of felony firearm and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
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According to Hamtramck Mayor Adam Alharbi, Fields has a criminal history of sexual assault charges.
On April 13, just after 7 a.m., a 16-year-old girl was waiting for the school bus in the area of Edwin and Brombach streets in Hamtramck when a man -- later identified as Fields -- approached her, placed something in her back and allegedly forced her into the back of his van. Fields then drove away from the scene.
Students immediately called 911 and reported the kidnapping.
Police went to the teen’s school to investigate the kidnapping and learned several students were tracking the teen by putting her phone number into cellphone location data and social media. Police at the school notified other officers of the teen’s location.
Fields allegedly drove the teen to a gas station convenience store on Conant Street in Detroit. The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office said he took her inside the store so she could buy cigarettes for him. While inside, the teen signaled to the cashier that she was in danger, prompting the cashier to help her immediately.
Fields then quickly left the gas station, where he was met by Hamtramck police officers. He was arrested, had his gun confiscated and his van was impounded.
“Our young survivor in this case was simply walking in broad daylight when she was viciously attacked and sexually assaulted. Despite what she had just gone through, her quick thinking and mental toughness saved her life. We cannot reverse what happened to her, but we can work hard to bring justice to her,” said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.
Fields was arraigned in court on April 16 at 8 a.m. via Zoom. He entered a not guilty plea and was remanded without bond.
His next court appearance is scheduled for April 30 at 9 a.m. via Zoom.