Chicago Heights man kidnapped 2 people, held 1 for ransom, police say

COOK CO., Ill. - A Chicago Heights man was charged in connection with the kidnapping of two people, one of whom he held for ransom last week, police said.

Cook County Sheriff’s police were called on Dec. 18  by someone who said their family member was kidnapped and that they had received ransom demands from the suspect. That suspect was later identified as Donnail Hannah, 37, police said.

 Donnail Hannah, 37 (via Cook County Sheriff's Office)

Investigators learned that Hannah asked the male victims for a ride, got into the car, allegedly pointed a gun at the victim and then forced him to reactivate a ridesharing app. The victim was then forced to pick up a woman who had requested a ride.

When the woman got into the backseat of the car, she saw Hannah allegedly pointing a gun, police said. Hannah demanded the male victim drive to a gas station in Ford Heights to pick up the ransom money and ordered the female victim to pick up the money.

She fled after getting out of the car and immediately called police.

Hannah and the male victim were found later that day at an East Hazel Crest casino parking lot. Sheriff’s police arrested Hannah at the scene.

He was later charged with two counts of aggravated kidnapping with a firearm, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and vehicular hijacking with a firearm.

A judge ordered Hannah to be held at the Cook County Jail. His next court hearing was set for Jan. 9, 2025.