Former University Hospital employee Donald Dean Reeds, Jr. was arrested at 7:15 p.m. Monday for the kidnapping of and assault with intent to murder his estranged wife.
Both charges carry possible life-sentence penalties.
The victim, a current University Hospital employee, was walking to her car in Carport M 22, Level 4 at 2:30 a.m. after finishing her shift last Wednesday morning when Reeds allegedly abducted her.
Reeds allegedly threatened the victim at knifepoint before forcing her into his car trunk and driving her to nearby Pittsfield Twp., where he allegedly left her tied to a tree. The victim later escaped and reported the crime to the Saline Police Department.
Reeds surrendered without resistance Monday at his Saline home after Department of Public Safety officers and state and local authorities noticed movement in the 45-year-old's home.
"(Monday) evening he returned to his house and was apprehended by the Michigan State Police Fugitive Team along with our officers," Department of Public Safety Director Leo Heatley said. "I suspect he must have stayed in the area, but I don't know where."
Reeds, who was arraigned yesterday in Washtenaw County's 14th District Court by Magistrate George Parker, was denied bail and returned to the Washtenaw County Jail where he stayed after his arrest. He will remain there until his July 23 preliminary examination date.
DPS Captain James Smiley said that because Reeds is no longer at large and not a threat to the victim, she can feel some comfort.
"The victim is handling her situation the best she can," Smiley said.
Smiley also said that DPS and other authorities are now able to put the search behind them until Reed's upcoming date in court.
"We're relieved somewhat to put it to closure," he said.
Reeds was terminated from his University Hospital position in November, 1996. The grounds for his dismissal are unknown.
Unrelated to yesterday's charges, Reeds is scheduled to appear before the Washtenaw Circuit Court today for previous charges against him, including assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a concealed weapon.
Reeds' attorney Douglas Winters of Ypsilanti could not be reached for comment. Reeds' family said they did not wish to comment.
| Alleged charges: |
|---|
| -- Reeds is accused of the kidnapping and assault with intent to murder of his estranged wife. |
| -- The hearing is set for July 23. |