Two arrested in car theft, kidnapping in Grand Island

(KHGI) Two people are behind bars following a car theft and kidnapping Wednesday night in Grand Island.

The Grand Island Police Department said a woman made a quick stop at 378 N. Elm Street, leaving the car running as she went inside because her children – ages 3 and 6 – were sleeping in the back.

Police said two people got in and drove the vehicle a few blocks away before abandoning it at 4th and Cedar.

Officers said they tracked footprints and a K9 was able to locate pieces of evidence, including a key ring and a coat, before finding the vehicle with the children still inside.

GIPD Captain Jim Duering praised the quick actions by officers, saying the suspects took the keys with them when they abandoned the vehicle. Duering said that could have exposed the children to freezing temperatures and possible hypothermia if the vehicle wasn’t found right away.

Police contacted Mohamed Osman-Habib, 20, and Aisha Hurie, 18, at a nearby apartment, where they found the vehicle’s keys in Habib’s clothing.

Osman-Habib was arrested on suspicion of two counts of kidnapping, as well as motor vehicle theft.

Hurie was arrested on suspicion of two counts of kidnapping, as well as motor vehicle theft, minor in possession, tampering with evidence, false reporting. She also had active warrants out of Dawson and Greeley counties.

Court records also show that Osman-Habib was released from jail in December after being convicted in a drug deal that turned into an armed robbery.

(This story was originally reported by our partner station KHGI)