An Indiana State Police (ISP) trooper successfully apprehended a man suspected of kidnapping a teenager from Michigan at a rest stop in northern Indiana. The incident occurred on the early morning of July 12, 2023, when the trooper located the suspect vehicle along southbound Interstate 69 in Steuben County.
According to reports from the Ionia County Sheriff’s Department, a 14-year-old was taken from Ionia County, Michigan, by an individual who had traveled from Kentucky. The ISP received critical information regarding the suspect’s vehicle, which facilitated the trooper’s timely intervention.
Upon arriving at the rest stop around 1 a.m., the trooper confirmed that the suspect, identified as 42-year-old Chayleang Tiang from Paris, Kentucky, was present with the teenager. It was revealed that Tiang had driven to Michigan with the intention of meeting the minor.
Authorities had issued a warrant for Tiang’s arrest on charges of kidnapping, prompting his detention at the Steuben County Jail. Following the arrest, the teenager was safely reunited with their guardians, providing a sense of relief to the family and the community.
The swift action of the ISP trooper highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation and timely communication in preventing potentially tragic outcomes. As the investigation continues, Tiang awaits extradition to Michigan to face the charges against him.
