HAMTRAMCK, Mich. (WXYZ) — A student at a Hamtramck school was kidnapped at gunpoint on Monday morning while walking to the bus stop and students were able to help police track the suspect down.
Watch Whitney Burney's video report:
School Board President Abdulmalik Algahaim posted on social media about the incident involving a Frontier International Academy student. The incident happened near Edwin and Brombach.
Watch an update from police in the video below
According to Algahaim, several students witnessed the incident and were able to track the student's location through social media and cell phone information. Police were contacted immediately.
Officers located the vehicle and conducted a stop at a gas station in Detroit, taking the suspect in custody. The student is a 16-year-old and is safe.
The student's family spoke with 7 News Detroit Reporter Whitney Burney off camera Monday. They say the girl is safe and at home recovering but is still processing the incident. They also thanked the community for their quick response and say this is not something parents and neighbors should have to worry about happening.
See bodycam and surveillance video of the arrest below
In an update during a press conference on Monday afternoon, Police Chief Hussein Farhat said that the incident happened around 7:09 a.m. and the suspect was arrested in less than half an hour.
"It is very concerning because we’re talking about a child’s life here," said Hamtramck Police Chief Hussein Farhat. "It’s scary to (the victim's family). It’s scary to every parent who has children. So we can only imagine what’s going through their head right now. Just want to make sure they know we’re there for them."
The case is ongoing, police said, and a weapon was recovered. Investigators said they will release more information after the suspect has been arraigned which is expected to take place in the next 48 hours.
Police said the community helped them track the suspect down, as witnesses instantly contacted police and provided them with tools to find the victim and recover the teen.
Neighbors were shocked to learn of what happened.
"I’m glad this was a one off. I’m glad it was resolved really quickly and I hope people are able to heal from that traumatic experience," said Seth Archambault who has called the area home for the last 8 years.
Algahaim also said that they have been in contact with transportation partners, who are taking additional safety precautions during student pick-up and drop-off, and Farhat said that they are increasing security as well.
Hamtramck Mayor Adam Alharbi says the city is now looking at different places they can add additional security cameras.
The mayor also said the suspect does have a criminal past.
"I want to thank the police department for doing what they had to do to catch this criminal. It’s a criminal who had a history of rape charges and we will make sure he gets what he deserves," said Alharbi. "The city of Detroit needs to step it up. The court system needs to make sure they do punish these criminals."
Frontier International Academy released a statement. It reads:
"We are aware of an incident involving a Frontier International Academy student that occurred off school grounds while the student was walking to a bus stop this morning.
We are grateful to report that the student has been safely recovered and is currently with family. Law enforcement acted swiftly, and a suspect is in custody. We are cooperating fully with authorities as they complete their investigation.
The incident did not occur on school property or during school-supervised activities. However, the safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority.
The school is working closely with local law enforcement to ensure continued safety in the surrounding area.
We understand that situations like this can be concerning for families and the broader community. We want to reassure everyone that this appears to be an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to students or staff at Frontier International Academy.
Additional updates will be shared if appropriate. However, we are not able to share any more information at this time due to the ongoing investigation."
