Grand Forks Kidnapping Case Ends With 5-Year Prison Term

Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) — A Grand Forks man will spend five years in prison. The sentence follows a kidnapping of a stranger, prosecutors said.

Abdi Ahmed Ali pleaded guilty to kidnapping on Friday, Feb. 20. The case started in April, according to court filings.

What happened

Police said the victim was sitting in his car in a store parking lot. The location was near Al Amiin Grocery on South Washington Street.

Authorities said Ali got into the vehicle without permission. Prosecutors said he pointed what looked like a handgun. They said he forced the victim to drive across town.

The victim drove to the Islamic Center of Grand Forks, police said. Ali ran inside, according to investigators.

Officers said Ali threw the weapon into a trash can. The gun was later found to be a replica, officials said. Police also said Ali removed his clothes before leaving.

The victim drove away and called 911, prosecutors said. Ali was arrested at the Islamic center, authorities said.

Court outcome

A judge sentenced Ali to five years in prison. The case was prosecuted by Grand Forks County officials.

Grand Forks County Assistant State’s Attorney Sarah Gereszek described the incident as traumatic. She said the victim did not know firearms. She said he believed the gun was real.

Immigration consequences

Because the conviction is a felony, Ali could be deported after prison. Any removal decision would be handled in federal immigration court.

Readers can learn more about federal enforcement at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Public records and resources

• Case search: North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry
• Prosecutor office: Grand Forks County State’s Attorney
• Community site: Islamic Center of Grand Forks
• Business page: Al Amiin Grocery

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.