DEARBORN, Mich. – A Dearborn man is facing charges after he intentionally hit a man who was crossing Michigan Avenue and then drove away, leaving the victim with critical injuries, officials said.
Murtadha Jabbar Alizairij, 38, has been charged with assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, felonious assault and motor vehicle advisory, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.
At about 10:45 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, police responded to Michigan Avenue at Howe Street after receiving a report of a man down on the sidewalk.
When they arrived, they found the man unresponsive with life-threatening injuries. They began administering life-saving measures.
The victim, identified as a 40-year-old Dearborn man, was taken to the hospital, where he is in critical condition, according to police.
In court on Monday, the prosecuting attorney said the man is in a medically induced coma and is on a ventilator.
The man was crossing Michigan Avenue when Alizairij, who was heading westbound, crossed into the eastbound lanes, accelerated, and then hit him.
Police say a review of the crash suggests that Alizairij intentionally hit the victim.
Witnesses followed the SUV and, several blocks away, saw the driver abandon the car and flee on foot.
Shortly after that, a 38-year-old Dearborn man called 911 and reported that he was the driver and was waiting for police at his house.
Officers went to the residence, and the suspect was taken into custody without incident.
Alizairij was arraigned in the 19th District Court before Judge Gene Hunt on Monday, Aug. 25, and his bond was set at $750,000 cash/surety bond, no 10%.
If he posts bond and is released, he must wear a GPS tether, remain under house arrest, and surrender his passport. He also cannot drive.
His defense attorney argued that there was a lot that led to the hit-and-run.
The victim allegedly used to work for the suspect’s family, was let go a few months ago and had been making threats toward the family, according to the attorney.
Before being struck, the victim posted a video on social media of himself going into the Dearborn Police Department on Friday, claiming that someone was trying to kill him.
“The Dearborn Police Department is aware that, prior to this incident, the victim visited the police station to express concern for his safety and request an update on an alleged assault that occurred on August 21, 2025,” according to police.
Police say the interaction between the victim and the police officer during that visit is under review.
The city’s mayor, Abdullah Hammoud, also released the following statement on Sunday:
“Every individual who interacts with the Dearborn Police Department must be treated with dignity, respect, and empathy—always.
While the suspect is in custody and that investigation moves forward, we are also launching a thorough review of the victim’s prior interactions with our department.
Trust and accountability are not optional—they are required."
Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud
Alizairij also had warrants out for his arrest, one for operating while intoxicated and another for dangerous drugs, according to the prosecution.
His probable cause conference is scheduled for Sept. 3, and his preliminary examination is scheduled for Sept. 10.
You can watch the full arraignment in the video below:
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