Police: Man tried to abduct grandmother, grandchild

CONYERS, Ga. — Conyers police said they are still trying to figure out why an Atlanta man tried to abduct a 63-year old grandmother and her grandchild from a Conyers box store parking lot.

The mayor of Conyers is hailing the actions of one of the witnesses who not only came to the victims' aid but also followed the suspect and led police right to him.

Musa Muhammad Abdul Alkarin, 28, is charged with kidnapping and assault.

Police said the unidentified woman exited the Hobby Lobby store on Highway 138 with her 9-month-old grandchild.

After she strapped the child into a car seat, she climbed into the drivers' side. According to detectives, Alkarin then slid in beside her on the passenger side and held a butcher knife to her throat. Police said he ordered her to drive away.

"She felt like she wouldn't have any chance so she fought and screamed and attracted attention," said Conyers police Lt. Jackie Dunn. "People didn't ignore it. They responded, and the suspect fled."

One of the witnesses, Nharu Wright, jumped into his SUV, called 911 and followed Alkarin. On a 911 recording, Wright can be heard leading police directly to him.

"I thought about my mother, my wife, I even have a sister," said Wright. "I know whoever's family member that was, they're happy I done what I done."

Conyers Mayor Randy Mills praised Wright's actions and called him a hero. He hugged Wright when they met outside City Hall Thursday morning.

"I think what he did is what people should do as soon as they see something happen in the community," said Mills.

Wright said he just did was he felt was right.

"I knew that if I had let him go, I wouldn't have been able to sleep last night," said Wright. "I feel good, but I don't feel like a hero."

Police said Alkarin is a convicted felon. He is held in the Rockdale County Jail without bond. They said they do not yet have a motive for the attack.
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WSBTV