Driver Sentenced to Jail For Kidnapping and Threatening

A 44-year-old Town Car driver was sentenced to five years and eight months in the Department of Corrections for the events that occurred while dropping off customers in Burlingame.

In September of 2011, driver Khaled Hamoui picked up a 23-year-old woman and her three friends in San Francisco and agreed to drive them to Burlingame for $40, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Upon arrival in Burlingame, three passengers left the car while the victim remained to pay the bill. She gave Hamoui $100 but only received $40 in change. She asked for the full $60 in change, but the driver said he factored in his tip and had no other cash. The victim saw additional cash in his hand and asked for at least $10 more when Hamoui became angry.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, Hamoui reversed onto El Camino Real and sped off with the woman still in the car. Although she screamed to be let go, he drove for approximately a block more before turning down a side street and stopping.

He got out of the car and grabbed the woman’s purse, throwing it on the ground. She got out of the car and he grabbed her arms and threw her to the ground. The District Attorney’s Office said he then kicked her and threatened to run over her and then drove away.

The woman’s friends ran behind the car and called 9-1-1. They had the license plate number and the police were able to find Hamoui, who denied being in Burlingame.

On June 13, a jury found Hamoui guilty of felony kidnapping, felony threats, misdemeanor assault and misdemeanor theft. The jury deadlocked on a count of felony assault.

Hamoui was sentenced to five years for felony kidnapping and eight months for felony threats. He was given credit of 338 days for time served.

The case will continue July 30 at 8:45 a.m. for clarification to special allegations regarding the count of felony threat.

Hamoui is in custody without bail.

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