DEARBORN – The Dearborn community has been shaken by a shocking crime in which an Iraqi American man was deliberately struck and in critical condition in the city’s west downtown — just one day after he had filed a complaint with police about threats to his life, a complaint that was reportedly brushed off by authorities, according to his lawyers.

Haider Al Fadawi, 40, who is known in the community by his nickname “Zilzal” and for his car decorated with thousands of chrome pieces, was found unconscious in the middle of Michigan Avenue near Howe Street at about 10:45 p.m. Saturday. Video footage shows a dark-colored SUV swerving across lanes, accelerating and then targeting Al Fadawi as he crossed the street on foot.

Al Fadawi, who had recorded the exchange with the police, was rushed to a local hospital and remains in critical condition. His tragic situation is especially tragic given that he lost his 6-year-old daughter Batoul in a 2021 hit-and-run on Bingham Street in Dearborn — an incident in which no suspect has ever been identified.

The suspect and charges

Dearborn Police reported that a witness pursued the fleeing vehicle for several blocks until the driver abandoned it and fled on foot. Shortly afterward, police received a call from a 38-year-old man claiming to be the driver and waiting for them at his home.

Police arrested Murtadha Jabbar Alizairij, who was arraigned Monday before Dearborn Judge Gene Hunt. Initially, he was charged with assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to cause great bodily harm less than murder and felonious assault with a motor vehicle. Prosecutors are expected to upgrade the charges to murder if Al Fadawi’s looses his life, as he remained comatose when the first charges were filed.

Defendant Murtadha Jabbar Alizairij appeared before Judge Gene Hunt at the 19th District Court in Dearborn  on Monday, August 25.

Judge Hunt set bond at $750,000 cash, with conditions including house arrest, electronic tether, surrender of his passport and a driving ban if released. Alizairij is due back in court for hearings on September 3 and September 10, where harsher charges are anticipated.

Prosecutors argued that Alizairij should be held without bond due to his serious threat to public safety and flight risk. His defense attorney countered by alleging there were “tensions” leading to the incident, claiming Al Fadawi had worked for Alizairij’s family, was dismissed months earlier and had allegedly threatened them.

Investigators also revealed that Alizairij was already wanted on two outstanding warrants — one for driving under the influence and another for possession of controlled substances. Police said the suspect and victim had known each other for more than 20 years and that the deadly confrontation may have stemmed from a financial dispute between their families.

A dismissed plea for help

Records show that just one day before he was run down, Friday, August 22, Al Fadawi visited the Dearborn Police Department to follow up on a complaint he filed after being physically assaulted by another man (not Alizairij). He reportedly expressed fear for his life.

Al Fadawi posted online, a secretly recorded video of the officer responding affirmatively in response to the Al Fadawi asking the police officer if he should contact the department after he is harmed. This incident remains under internal investigation.

The clip, which has since circulated widely, has raised serious questions about how Dearborn police handled Al Fadawi pleas for protection.

City and police response

Mayor Abdullah Hammoud announced an internal review of the department’s handling of Al Fadawi’s complaint.

“Every individual interacting with Dearborn Police must always be treated with dignity, respect and compassion,” Hammoud said in a Facebook statement. “While the suspect remains in custody and the investigation continues, we are also conducting a comprehensive review of the victim’s prior interactions with police. Trust and accountability are not optional — they are mandatory.”

Police Chief Issa Shahin echoed the mayor’s commitment:

“Public safety is our top priority, and we take all concerns seriously. We understand the community has questions, and we are committed to ensuring trust through transparency and accountability.”

Sources told The Arab American News that the officer who made the dismissive remarks to Al Fadawi has been temporarily reassigned to desk duty pending the outcome of the investigation.