A Detroit man faces charges following an assault on a teenage girl at Lake St. Clair Metropark. Abdulnasar Muthana allegedly made inappropriate sexual gestures towards a group of teens and subsequently sexually assaulted a 15-year-old. The teen fought back by kicking the assailant in the groin and escaped to report the incident, as reported by CBS News Detroit.
Following his arraignment, Muthana was granted a $50,000 personal bond and is prohibited from contacting minors, carrying weapons, using drugs, and visiting parks where children are present, these details coming from the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office. However, the Macomb County Prosecutor, Peter Lucido, expressed disappointment in an interview with WXYZ, stating "This individual (victim) has been shaken to the core," adding "How unfortunate now to see that this person (suspect) is back out there."
Lucido, in a statement obtained by WXYZ, commended the girl's bravery and the swift actions of law enforcement in apprehending Muthana, the prosecutor's office remains committed to protecting children and ensuring justice for victims. Moreover, Lucido highlighted the legal constraints in sentencing because of the victim's age, remarking, "This charge itself is the highest that we can possibly charge," noting further disparity in sentencing for victims under 13, whose assailants could face up to 15 years in prison.
The community reacted with concern over the assault and the suspect's subsequent release, as parkgoers voiced their unease with one Warren resident, Shadman Khan, stating "We don't hear something like this before and we've been living here for years," while Christopher Dao, also from Warren, in a statement obtained by WXYZ, commented on the situation saying "It's very sad to see someone like that doing something to a 15-year-old," and expressing alarm that the individual was released so soon after the alleged assault.
Muthana is scheduled for a probable cause hearing on May 27. Local residents and officials continue to follow the case, which has spotlighted concerns over public safety and the legal system's response to incidents of sexual assault involving minors.
