Heroic citizen saves girl from attempted abduction

In a heartfelt ceremony, the Sterling Heights City Council honored Scott Van Lewin with the \"Nice Neighbor Award\" for his heroic actions during an attempted abduction incident on August 13, 2024. The recognition, nominated by the Sterling Heights Police Department, highlighted Van Lewin's quick response that potentially saved a young girl's life.

On that fateful day, a seven-year-old girl was forcibly taken from her bicycle in Clinton River North Park. As her aunt, Alicia, intervened, attempting to stop the abductor, she was joined by her son, Dominic, who was injured in the struggle. Van Lewin, a 14-year veteran of the Sterling Heights Citizens on Patrol, witnessed the chaos and sprang into action. He maneuvered his pickup truck to block the abductor's vehicle, confronted the suspect, and held him down until police arrived.

Mayor Terry praised Van Lewin's selflessness, stating, \"He is a humble hero who acknowledges that God put him there at that time.\" The mayor emphasized the significance of Van Lewin's actions, noting that the same suspect had attempted another abduction just hours earlier in a nearby area.

The ceremony was filled with applause and gratitude as community members celebrated Van Lewin's bravery. The mayor encouraged all citizens to emulate his spirit of volunteerism and vigilance, reinforcing the importance of community safety and support. Following the presentation, Police Chief Dale Dwojkowski also acknowledged the contributions of others involved in the incident, underscoring the collaborative effort that prevented a potential tragedy.