DEARBORN, Mich. – A 40-year-old Dearborn man is in a medically induced coma after he was intentionally hit by an SUV while crossing Michigan Avenue, after he reported to police that he was concerned about his own safety, officials said.
The man was hit on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. The suspect, Murtadha Jabbar Alizairij, 38, also of Dearborn, drove away before he went home and called 911 to report that he was the driver responsible for hitting the man. He has been arraigned on charges, including assault with intent to murder.
Here’s everything we’ve learned about the crash:
Man hit by SUV
At about 10:45 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, police responded to Michigan Avenue near Howe Street after receiving a report about a man down on the sidewalk.
When they arrived, they found the man unresponsive and began administering life-saving measures. He was taken to the hospital with critical injuries.
SUV accelerated toward man
A preliminary investigation revealed that the man was crossing Michigan Avenue when a dark-colored SUV that was traveling westbound crossed into the eastbound lanes, accelerated, and hit him before leaving the scene.
Witnesses followed the SUV. Several blocks away, they saw the driver abandon the car and flee on foot.
Driver calls 911 to turn self in
Shortly after that, the suspect, identified as Murtadha Jabbar Alizairij, 38, called 911 and reported that he was the driver and was waiting for police at his house.
Officers then went to the home and took him into custody.
Charges
On Monday, Aug. 25, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office announced that Alizairij was charged with the following:
- Assault with intent to murder
- Assault with intent to do great bodily harm
- Felonious assault
- Motor vehicle advisory
Suspect was lying in wait for victim, prosecutor says
During his arraignment on Aug. 25, the prosecuting attorney argued for no bond based on several factors.
When discussing the likelihood of conviction, the attorney said there is video footage of the assault, claiming “it’s clear and indisputable that the defendant lied in wait (sic) for the opportunity to run over the complaining witness.”
After hitting the victim, the prosecution said Alizairij fled the area and called the police 30 minutes later, after witnesses followed him.
Criminal history
The prosecutor also said a criminal history, including an OWI from 2010, an OWI from 2015 and an ordinance violation from 2018 for dangerous drugs.
He also allegedly had warrants out for his arrest, one for an OWI, and then one for dangerous drugs. Alizairij’s attorney, Abed Hammoud, said these were old cases, and the defendant believed he had served his probation and that these cases were closed.
Victim used to work for suspect’s family, defense attorney says
The defense attorney said that a lot led up to the assault, and he wants the court to know that there are several videos of the victim threatening Alizairij and his family.
The victim used to work for Alizairij’s family’s business, but was let go a few months ago due to some problems and continued to threaten them.
Hammoud said that if his client wanted to run, he wouldn’t have called 911.
Man had expressed concerns to police about his safety before being hit
Before the victim was struck, he 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.
Bond set at $750K
Alizairij was arraigned in the 19th District Court before Judge Gene Hunt on Monday, Aug. 25, and he was issued a $750,000 cash/surety, no 10% bond.
If he posts bond and is released, he must wear a GPS tether and remain under house arrest.
He also cannot drive and must surrender his passport.
Future court dates
Alizairij’s probable cause conference is scheduled for Sept. 3, and his preliminary examination is scheduled for Sept. 10.
Statement from Dearborn’s mayor
The city’s mayor, Abdullah Hammoud, also released the following statement:
“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
Full Arraignment
You can watch Alizairij’s full arraignment in the video below: