5 Charged In Palos Hills Kidnapping

PALOS HILLS, IL — Five people ranging in age from 19 to 55 are accused of kidnapping an acquaintance last month in Palos Hills, police said.

On Jan. 2, officers responded to a report of aggravated kidnapping in the 10300 block of 75th Avenue. The man, who claimed he was kidnapped, was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries and was later released.

Police said the man received a text from the group and was taken against his will. He knew some of the people involved and had a prior relationship with one of their family members, according to reports.

The following were charged with aggravated kidnapping, a class X felony:

• Waseem A. Barbarawi, 24, of Bridgeview
• Amin S. Betuni, 36, of Palos Hills
• Mohammad S. Odtallah,19, of Palos Hills
• Cler S. Kolaghassi, 38, of Bridgeview

Mona F. Odtallah, 55, of Palos Hills, was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor battery Jan. 3. Barbarawi picked up Jan. 23 and Betuni the next day, police said.

Odtallah and Kolaghassi were both charged on Feb. 5.

Barbarawi was booked Jan. 24 into Cook County Jail, according to records. He’s due back in court Feb. 16 in Bridgeview.

The others have apparently been released on their own recognizance while their case is pending.