Peoria police files charges against family of 6 allegedly targeting pregnant relative

PHOENIX — The Peoria Police Department filed multiple charges against six family members for allegedly targeting and kidnapping a pregnant 20-year-old relative, authorities said Thursday.

Officers learned of a kidnapping in Avondale on Aug. 18 where the victim was taken from a parking lot as she arrived at a doctor’s appointment, pulled into a vehicle, then punched in her stomach by five family members, the press release said.

Two nearby witnesses helped the victim, who authorities have not identified, which allowed her to escape from her Alfartousi family members: Zahraa (31 years old), Yaser (35), Fares (63), Ali (33) and Souad (59).

Her brother Bashir, 36, had been arrested and booked by the Yuma Police Department in March for attempting to kidnap her. The victim said after he kidnapped her, he “planned to bring her back to her family where she would have likely been killed,” according to a Yuma police report.

The Peoria Police Department also said in May 2021, officers responded to threat calls informing them the family of the victim’s boyfriend was being threatened by the victim’s family.

Detectives learned during the investigation that the pregnant woman, along with her boyfriend and his family, have filed at least 20 separate police reports with different state police agencies, the press release said. Reports ranged from harassment to an escalation of aggravated assault and kidnapping.

On Thursday, the Peoria Police Department arrested and booked the victim’s parents and siblings into jail on various charges, including kidnapping, robbery, threats and disorderly conduct.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.

No additional information was available.

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