after further research, It is possible that the salamander in question COULD be an eastern redback salamander. however, the colors and marking placements, as well as the body proportions of the salamander, all seem to be somewhat off. It more closely resembles a garden slender salamander, but given the geographical implications, that seems very unlikely.
as an eastern redback seems to be the logical species, I suppose I should release it... there won't be any problems with releasing it now, will there? It has been atypically cold here, I live at the border of michigan and indiana, and we've allready seen snow.
the link is to the salamander it resembles more, sorry I can't take pictures to show you myself... tis the one on the right, btw.

linkage