2 days ago
3
A heroic clerk saved a kidnapped 16-year-old by spotting her silent plea for help and confronting her armed abductor until police arrived.
09:43, Thu, Apr 16, 2026 Updated: 09:47, Thu, Apr 16, 2026
A courageous gas station clerk helped save a teenage girl who was abducted (Image: -)
A quick-thinking gas station worker is being praised after helping rescue a kidnapped teenage girl during a tense confrontation in the US. A 16-year-old had been abducted at gunpoint just after 7am on Monday while waiting for her school bus in Michigan, according to the Hamtramck Police Department.
Police say the suspect, described as having a history of rape-related allegations, forced the girl into his vehicle in what authorities believe was a random attack. Around 30 minutes later, the suspect stopped at a Sunoco gas station, where his plan began to unravel.
Abdulrahman Abohatem said he noticed something was off (Image: -)
Inside the store, clerk Abdulrahman Abohatem noticed something unusual when the man asked the visibly distressed teenager to pay for cigarettes.
“When he asked her to pay, I knew something was wrong,” Abohatem told local station WXYZ. “She mouthed ‘help’ with no sound.”
Recognising the silent plea, Abohatem acted immediately. He stepped out from behind the protective barrier, confronted the suspect, and forced him out of the store. He then guided the teenager to safety behind him.
“I go out, I kick him out, I ask the girl to go behind me,” Abohatem said.
At the same time, fellow students who had witnessed the abduction earlier had alerted authorities and helped track the girl’s phone location. Police quickly traced the signal to the gas station and arrived on the scene as the confrontation unfolded.
Seeing officers outside, Abohatem pointed directly at the suspect. “That’s the guy,” he told them.
The man was swiftly arrested without further incident. Authorities confirmed that the victim and suspect did not know each other.
“This is a random incident,” said Police Chief Hussein Farhat. “This suspect could have driven anywhere, saw the opportunity, and took advantage of it.”
Get the latest news from around the world and more Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The teenager was safely recovered and is expected to be reunited with her family.
The suspect is due to be arraigned on Thursday.
English (US) · 