East Grand Forks Man Faces 3 Felony Assault Counts

East Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) — Mohamed Abdirisak Sugule faces three felony assault charges in Polk County.

The charges follow an alleged September 8 assault at an East Grand Forks apartment building.

The case is filed as 60-CR-26-1332 in Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

Prosecutors allege Sugule struck a man several times with a 9mm pistol.

Victim Reports Assault

Authorities responded to an apartment building on 8th Avenue Northwest around 1:25 a.m.

The alleged victim, identified as S.M.M., was found in a hallway.

The complaint says S.M.M. had a bleeding head wound and several facial injuries.

He also had swelling near one eyebrow and blood on his neck.

Emergency workers determined the head injury needed stitches.

S.M.M. was transported to Altru Hospital for treatment.

He later told investigators that Munier Abdiaziz Abokar punched him during an argument.

According to the complaint, Abokar later returned with Mohamed Sugule.

S.M.M. alleged Sugule struck him seven or eight times with a black handgun.

He also alleged Sugule repeatedly operated the handgun’s slide during the incident.

Sugule Gives Different Account

Investigators later arrested Sugule outside the apartment building.

The complaint says a black Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol fell from his waistband.

The magazine contained ammunition, but the chamber was empty.

Sugule denied striking S.M.M. with the firearm during an interview.

He said he went to the apartment after learning a fight was underway.

Sugule said he tried to separate S.M.M. and Abokar.

He admitted having the Smith & Wesson pistol with him.

He also described operating the handgun before placing it back into his pocket.

Search Finds Blood and Ammunition

Authorities later searched two apartments connected to the investigation.

Investigators reported finding blood in several locations inside one apartment.

A 9mm cartridge was also found on a kitchen counter.

Another 9mm cartridge was found outside the building, according to the complaint.

Investigators also reviewed surveillance video from the apartment building.

The complaint says video showed Sugule walking through a hallway while holding a gun.

S.M.M. later reported that a doctor told him his cheek was broken.

Three Felony Charges Filed

Sugule faces second-degree assault involving substantial bodily harm.

That charge falls under Minnesota Statute 609.222.

He also faces another second-degree assault count involving a dangerous weapon.

A third count alleges third-degree assault causing substantial bodily harm.

That charge falls under Minnesota Statute 609.223.

Prosecutors also gave notice that they may seek an aggravated sentence involving firearm use.

The charges are allegations and do not establish guilt.

Sugule is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Readers can search public cases through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.