Man Indicted for Attempted Kidnapping

FLINT– A Mount Morris Township man was indicted today by a federal grand jury for his role in the attempted kidnapping of a woman and his illegal possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.

Joining in the announcement was James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Detroit Field Division and Chief Terence Green, Flint Police Department.

Lugene Maxie, II, age 44, was charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, and felon in possession of a firearm. 

According to the indictment and other court records, Maxie and two other men in a car approached the female victim as she was walking.  The men made sexual remarks towards the victim and told her to come with them.  When the victim refused, one of the men got out of the vehicle and began following the woman on foot.  Maxie and the other man picked up the man on foot who was following the victim.  The three then drove past the woman, turned on a side street and stopped.  After the vehicle stopped, Maxie got out and began walking towards the victim.  As Maxie approached the victim, he grabbed her.  The victim pulled away from Maxie and began running from him.  As the woman ran away from Maxie, he pulled a firearm from his waistband and fired two to three gunshots.  Maxie continued to follow the victim as she ran away.

The incident came to the attention of the Michigan State Police who were conducting aerial observation in a Michigan State Police helicopter.  The helicopter radioed to Flint Police who responded to the scene.  When Flint Police arrived, Maxie took off running.  Police pursued Maxie and took him into custody a short distance away.  The Michigan State Police helicopter saw Maxie drop his gun as he was running from the police.  Police recovered the firearm after detaining Maxie. 

“I applaud the teamwork of the Michigan State and Flint Police,” said U.S. Attorney Ison.  “They prevented a brazen kidnapping and likely saved the victim from a sexual assault.” 

“The arrest of Maxie is another fine example of area law enforcement working in partnership to increase public safety in the Flint community. The Flint Police Department, along with our local federal and state agencies are making the message clear, if you commit crime in Flint, arrest and incarceration is in your future,” said Chief Green.

Based upon the charges in the indictment, Maxie faces up to life in prison if convicted.  An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

This case was investigated by the Michigan State Police and the Flint Police Department, with assistance from special agents of the ATF. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony P. Vance.