Nassau County police say a 32-year-old man was found sitting inside a Franklin Square home during a reported burglary on Saturday morning, and then allegedly headbutted a Nassau County Sheriff's officer the next day while waiting to be arraigned. Suhaib Ayman Al Rifai now faces burglary and assault charges stemming from both incidents.
According to Long Island Life & Politics, Fifth Precinct officers responded to a burglary in progress at a Jefferson Street residence in Franklin Square at 9:35 a.m. on October 3. When officers arrived, they located Al Rifai sitting inside the home, and he was arrested without incident. As LongIsland.com reports, Al Rifai is described as an undomiciled man.
Shattered Window, Damage Throughout the Home
Police said a 60-year-old female victim's bedroom window had been shattered, and the home sustained additional damage throughout, per the same account from Long Island Life & Politics. The Fifth Squad reported the arrest in connection with the burglary, according to police.
The following day, while Al Rifai was awaiting arraignment, the situation escalated. The report states he allegedly became combative and headbutted a Nassau County Sheriff's officer, causing the officer pain and physical injury. The incident occurred at First District Court in Hempstead, where the court is located at 99 Main Street according to New York State Unified Court System records.
Additional Charges Filed, New Court Date Set
Following the alleged headbutting, Al Rifai was transferred to the Third Precinct for processing on additional charges. Police ultimately charged him with burglary in the second degree, assault in the second degree, and assault in the third degree, the outlet's report notes.
Al Rifai was scheduled to be arraigned on October 5 at First District Court. No information on the outcome of that arraignment, the condition of the injured officer, or the identity of the victim has been made available.
