Metro Detroit Man Charged Attempted Kidnapping Canadian Child

Shahzad Hameedi, a 46-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen from Pakistan living in Wayne County, Michigan, faces charges for allegedly attempting to kidnap a toddler from Canada after meeting the child's mother on a dating app. After the mother restricted his access to her son due to injuries the child sustained while with Hameedi, he allegedly planned to kidnap the boy, wanting to rename him and take custody. Evidence uncovered during the investigation included a laminated ransom note, a stun gun, zip ties, duct tape, rubber gloves, a toddler's life vest, cold medication, and research on tranquilizers. In June 2025, Hameedi reportedly crossed into Canada, entered the woman's home, strangled her, and was chased away, then returned two days later to assault the child. U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon condemned the actions as "diabolical" and vowed to bring the full force of the law against violent predators, while Homeland Security Investigations emphasized cooperation with Canadian authorities to protect children across the border. Hameedi was arrested on a Canadian provisional warrant and is under federal investigation.