Man Charged With Kidnapping Ex-Girlfriend In Banning

BANNING, CA — A man accused of kidnapping his ex-girlfriend in Banning while using a fake gun was arraigned Monday on multiple charges, court records show.

Abed Zuhair Khair, 30, of Perris pleaded not guilty to felony kidnapping and false imprisonment, as well as misdemeanor charges of using an imitation firearm in a threatening manner and possession of controlled substances.

He remains jailed at Banning's Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in lieu of a $55,000 bail bond and is due to appear in court May 24 for a felony settlement conference, court records show.

Khair's arrest followed an investigation that began shortly after 1 a.m. May 11 when police were called to the county's Department of Public Social Services building at 63 S. 4th Street in Banning regarding an alleged kidnapping.

Witnesses told Banning police that they were out walking with Khair's ex-girlfriend when the man drove alongside them and forced the woman into his vehicle. He allegedly brandished a gun, witnesses told police.

Banning police tracked Khair's vehicle to an apartment complex near W. Nicolet Street and surveilled him. When he came out of his apartment, he was arrested without incident, police said.

"A replica handgun was located on Khair during his arrest," according to the police department.

The woman was found unharmed at the apartment, police said.

Khair has no felony convictions in Riverside County, according to court records.