Man with ‘Extensive Injuries’ Awakens From Coma 2 Months After Hit-and-Run

A Michigan man has awakened from a coma nearly two months after he was allegedly run over, shortly after telling police he feared for his life.

“Haidar waking up after more than two months in a medically induced coma is nothing short of a miracle,” Amir Makled, the attorney for Haidar Alfadawi, said in a statement on Tuesday, Nov. 18.

On Aug. 23, Alfadawi recorded himself on video entering the Dearborn Police Department to follow up on an assault report he had filed earlier in the week, after claiming officers dismissed his concerns, Fox 2 Detroit previously reported.

While at the station, he reportedly told officers he was worried about his safety.

Hours later, surveillance footage captured Alfadawi being struck by a vehicle allegedly driven by 38-year-old Murtadha Alizairij, who initially fled the scene, according to police.

“For weeks, his family lived with uncertainty and fear, unsure if he would ever open his eyes again. Today, seeing him awake, responsive, and showing small signs of recognition has given everyone a renewed sense of hope,” Makled said.

Alfadawi suffered critical injuries in the incident, including a traumatic brain injury, the outlet reported, citing Makled.

“While he still has a long and challenging recovery ahead due to the extensive injuries he suffered, this moment has brought tremendous relief to his loved ones. His family is grateful for the community’s prayers and support, and they remain focused on helping him heal,” the attorney added.

Although authorities initially reported that the driver fled after the hit-and-run, Alizairij turned himself in about an hour later.

Alizairij was booked into the Wayne County Jail on Aug. 25 and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault/bodily harm less than murder, and assault with intent to murder, according to inmate records. His bond was set at $750,000.

“Public safety is our highest priority, and we take every concern seriously. We understand the community has questions and are committed to ensuring trust through transparency and accountability,” Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin said in August, addressing concerns about the officer who allegedly brushed off Alfadawi’s initial safety complaints.

That officer was placed on administrative duty pending an investigation, Fox 2 Detroit reported.

“We don’t know what the prosecutor’s office is doing in terms of moving forward with the case, but it’s our position that they should ask for full punishment under the law,” Makled told CBS Detroit on Tuesday.

Fox 2 Detroit previously reported that Alfadawi had worked for Alizairij and that the alleged hit-and-run may have stemmed from a dispute between the two over a traffic ticket.

Alizairij is expected to appear in court for a pretrial hearing in early December, CBS Detroit reported.