Haidar Alfadawi has awakened from a medically induced coma more than two months after being struck by a vehicle on Aug. 23 and is beginning to show signs of recognition, his attorney says. The driver, 38-year-old Murtadha Alizairij, fled the scene but turned himself in about an hour later and faces multiple assault charges; bond was set at $750,000. Alfadawi suffered extensive injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, and his family is focused on his long recovery. The incident prompted an internal review after questions about how an officer handled Alfadawi’s earlier safety concerns.
Michigan Man Awakens After More Than Two Months in Medically Induced Coma Following Alleged Hit-and-Run
Haidar Alfadawi has awakened from a medically induced coma more than two months after being struck by a vehicle on Aug. 23 and is beginning to show signs of recognition, his attorney says. The driver, 38-year-old Murtadha Alizairij, fled the scene but turned himself in about an hour later and faces multiple assault charges; bond was set at $750,000. Alfadawi suffered extensive injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, and his family is focused on his long recovery. The incident prompted an internal review after questions about how an officer handled Alfadawi’s earlier safety concerns.
01:32 PM, 11/19/2025Society
Man wakes after a prolonged coma
Haidar Alfadawi has emerged from a medically induced coma more than two months after being struck by a vehicle in what he feared was an intentional attack. His attorney, Amir Makled, says Alfadawi is awake, responsive and showing small signs of recognition, though he faces a lengthy recovery due to extensive injuries including a traumatic brain injury.
What happened
On Aug. 23, Alfadawi visited the Dearborn Police Department to follow up on an assault report he had filed earlier and to express concerns for his safety. Hours later, surveillance footage captured him being hit by a vehicle. The driver fled the scene but turned himself in to authorities roughly an hour later.
Legal developments
The driver, identified as 38-year-old Murtadha Alizairij, was booked on Aug. 25 and faces multiple charges, including assault with a dangerous weapon, assault/bodily harm less than murder, and assault with intent to murder. He was held on $750,000 bond and is expected to appear for a pretrial hearing in early December. The victim’s attorney says the two men had previously worked together and that the incident may have stemmed from a dispute over a traffic ticket.
Response and investigation
Alfadawi’s family has described weeks of uncertainty and is grateful for community support as they focus on his rehabilitation. Dearborn police placed the officer who initially handled Alfadawi’s safety concerns on administrative duty while an internal review proceeds. Chief Issa Shahin has emphasized the department’s commitment to public safety and transparency as investigations continue.
"Haidar waking up after more than two months in a medically induced coma is nothing short of a miracle," said Amir Makled. "He still has a long and challenging recovery ahead, but his awakening has brought tremendous relief to his loved ones."
Authorities and the family continue to monitor Alfadawi’s condition and await next steps in the legal process. The case has drawn local attention for both the severity of the injuries and questions about the initial police response.