Garden City Police Arrest Man on Suspicion of Human Trafficking

by Derek White

In a harrowing incident early Friday morning, Garden City Police arrested a man on suspicion of human trafficking following a distressing event that led to the discovery of multiple charges against him.

At approximately 5:50 a.m. on April 11, officers responded to a call from the east part of town where a woman was heard screaming and pleading for help. She was reportedly being pursued by an unidentified man. Upon arriving at the scene, police located the woman in the driveway of a nearby residence. She had sustained numerous injuries and was immediately transported to St. Catherine Hospital for treatment.

The man, later identified as 44-year-old Mohamed Hakim, fled the scene before officers arrived but was later tracked down and arrested. Following the arrest, officers uncovered disturbing details about the circumstances surrounding the victim’s arrival in Garden City.

Authorities learned that the woman had been forced into an arranged marriage with Hakim, an arrangement made under coercive and transactional terms. She was relocated to the United States from overseas by family members for the sole purpose of fulfilling the marriage contract. Once in Garden City, the victim was allegedly subjected to physical and sexual abuse, confined to the home, and denied access to communication or any outside resources except those provided by Hakim.

As a result of these findings, Hakim has been charged with multiple offenses, including Rape, Aggravated Domestic Battery, Aggravated Human Trafficking, Aggravated Kidnapping, and Criminal Threat. He is currently being held at the Finney County Jail.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details may emerge as authorities continue their efforts. It is important to note that while Hakim has been arrested, he has not been convicted of any crime and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

This case highlights the serious issue of human trafficking and underscores the need for continued vigilance and support for victims of such crimes. The Garden City Police Department has urged anyone with information related to this case or any similar incidents to come forward and assist in the investigation.