Detroit Evening Report: Judge dismisses wrongful death lawsuit against Dearborn for fatal shooting in police lobby
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Ali Naji, 33, of Dearborn, was fatally shot by police on Dec. 18, 2022, after entering the police department's lobby, pulling out a pistol and pointing it at an officer.
A federal judge has affirmed the Wayne County prosecutor’s decision that a Dearborn police officer was justified in killing an armed man in 2022.
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Ali Naji, 33, of Dearborn, was fatally shot by police on Dec. 18, 2022, after entering the police department’s lobby, pulling out a pistol and pointing it at an officer who was protected by bulletproof glass. Investigators say when Naji’s gun jammed, the officer opened the glass window and shot him several times.
An investigation into the incident by Dearborn police and Michigan State Police determined that Naji had stolen a handgun from a local barbershop where he was formerly employed and drove to the police station. While no motive for his actions was known, police say Naji had a known history of mental health issues.
Once the investigation was complete, Wayne County prosecutors announced in March 2023 that no charges would be issued against the officer in the case.
“We may never know why Mr. Naji walked into the Dearborn Police Department with a loaded weapon attempting to fire it at a police officer,” said Wayne County Prosecutor Kim Worthy at the time. “Although extremely tragic, this is a clear case where the officer acted in lawful self-defense and in the defense of others.”
Naji’s family later filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city and the police officer, alleging that the officer failed to deescalate the situation and used excessive force. U.S. District Court judge F. Kay Behm dismissed the lawsuit late last month, determining that Naji posed an immediate threat to police and the public.
Other headlines for Monday, Jan. 8, 2024:
- Michigan Republican Party Chairwoman Kristina Karamo, the first African American woman to hold the seat, says she’ll fight recent efforts within her party to oust her from her seat.
- January is National Radon Action Month. A radon specialist with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) recommends residents test their homes every two years for the natural gas, which can accumulate due to pressure or weather changes and leads to health concerns.
- EGLE’s Office of Climate and Energy is seeking individuals to join the MI Healthy Climate Corps, a team of 30 AmeriCorps members focused on climate change and reducing emissions.
- EGLE is hosting a virtual informational meeting and public hearing from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, about air quality enforcement for Stellantis at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit.
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