BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — A Bridgeport man is facing attempted murder charges after police say he was involved in a brutal domestic violence incident.
Thirty-eight-year-old Abdulrahim Sulaiman was arrested on scene Wednesday, charged with three counts of Criminal Attempt at Murder, three counts of Assault in the First Degree, two counts of Risk of Injury to a Minor and Criminal Possession of a Firearm.
As he faced a Bridgeport judge on Thursday, a woman and her two young children were in the hospital, dealing with severe injuries. One of the children, prosecutors said, is still in life-threatening condition.
“The strength of the state’s case is extremely strong, the facts of which are gruesome to say the least,” said Assistant State’s Attorney Craig Nowak, in court.
Bridgeport police say that around 10 a.m. Wednesday morning, they got several 911 calls describing the violent assault, happening in an apartment on Main Street. Court papers said one of those calls came from a woman who told police she was in the apartment with her six and four-year-old sons. With them, the documents said, was Sulaiman, who the female victim told police was hitting them with a bat.
“That’s sad. You know, nobody deserves to be hurt. It’s very sad,” said Maria Kerr-Green, who lives close to the scene.
Court documents show neighbors stepped in to help, pulling the children to safety. The incident report said Sulaiman was then seen on city camera throwing a bloody bat out of a window before jumping out himself, landing headfirst in a dumpster. Moments later, police arrested him after a witness pointed him out to authorities on the street.
Officers ran upstairs to find the mother and her children and rushed them to area hospitals. While the woman and her four-year-old son are now listed in stable condition, prosecutors said the six-year-old boy is in critical condition.
“The likelihood of survival of this individual is close to zero,” Nowak said.
The judge set Sulaiman’s bond at $10 million, ordering him to wear two ankle bracelets, as she referenced his criminal history and other allegations of threats towards neighbors in the apartment building he lives in.
“The defendant has a past history of violence not just in this state, but in the state of New Jersey, where he did seven years for aggravated assault,” Nowak said. “According to his record, I believe he’s on probation at this time for risk of injury, assault on a police officer and violation of protective order.”
Moments before appearing in court Thursday, Nowak said allegations were made about Sulaiman slapping and spitting on court marshals. Connecticut State Police took the lead on that investigation, charging him with Assault on a Peace Officer and Disorderly Conduct. Sulaiman is due in a Bridgeport court on those charges on Friday morning.
As for the domestic violence case, prosecutors said more severe charges could eventually be brought.
“If and when this individual dies, the state of Connecticut is prepared and will be filing information for murder with special circumstances,” Nowak said.
Bridgeport police are asking anyone with information on the case to contact the case officer, Det. Jeff Holtz, at 203-581-5243. Citizens can also utilize the Bridgeport Police Tips Line at 203-576-TIPS.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, contact CT Safe Connect at 888-774-2900. Resources are available 24/7, seven days a week.
----
Julia LeBlanc is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jleblanc@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
----
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com.
----
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.