City apologizes to man accused of ISIS ties

AVON, OH (KTRK) -- A mayor and other officials offered their apologies to a Muslim man they say was wrongfully accused of supporting ISIS.

Ahmed Almenhali was in Avon, Ohio on business from the United Arab Emirates when a clerk from his hotel had her sister call 911, claiming he was on his cell phone pledging his allegiance to ISIS, WEWS-TV reports.

Police say the alleged pledge to ISIS did not actually happen, but that was only after Almenhali was handcuffed and searched. One officer's body camera captured the whole thing on video.

After the search, Almenhali collapsed and had to be hospitalized for his injuries.

On Saturday, the city's top officials apologized in a face-to-face meeting alongside leaders from CAIR.

Avon Police Chief Richard Bosley says the department did not want to disrespect Almenhali, and that they regret what happened. Bosley also said the department will review its policies.

Mayor Brian Jensen says the woman who made the false claim may face criminal charges.