Minneapolis: Hit-and-run suspect charged with assault in front of mosque

Ahlulbayt News Agency: James Evan Suttles, 37, of Minneapolis, was charged with second-degree assault after allegedly targeting a mosque attendee in a hit-and-run accident.

The charges stem from an incident in which a pedestrian was allegedly struck by a minivan in the parking lot of the Alhikma Islamic Center mosque.

Court documents show that Suttles, who has been involved in disputes at the mosque in the past, had previously been banned from the property, Fox News reported.

On May 22, police were dispatched to the mosque following a report of a hit-and-run. The victim, who was unloading his vehicle, claimed that Suttles, who was driving a silver minivan, sped toward him and struck him despite his attempts to avoid the vehicle.

As a result of the collision, the victim suffered injuries to his head, knee, arm and hip.

Witnesses on site confirmed the victim’s statement and suggested that the crime was committed intentionally.

After the incident, Suttles fled, but was arrested by police later that evening outside his residence.

The mosque’s leadership expressed serious concerns about the safety of its congregation, citing Suttles’ pattern of aggressive behavior, which included previous physical altercations and vandalism.

Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty emphasized the seriousness of the situation, saying, “We are concerned for the safety and well-being of the members of the Alhikma Islamic Center mosque where this occurred.”

“Given that Mr. Suttles intentionally struck the victim with a minivan and also given his previous violent acts at this mosque, we are requesting a high bail amount,” she said, adding, “This was a horrific incident and I am grateful that the victim did not suffer more serious injuries.”

“We are grateful to the Minneapolis Police Department for taking quick action and arresting Mr. Suttles. We will continue to work with their team to determine the motive. If through further investigation we determine that we can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that this incident was biased, we will pursue charges accordingly.”

Suttles remains in custody and is due to appear in court soon.

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