A Phoenix woman forced into an arranged marriage was brought against her will to her "husband's" apartment on Monday, where police say she was violently sexually assaulted.
According to court documents obtained by New Times, the woman's parents "married" her to 30-year-old Mohamed Abdullahi without her knowledge in November. Court documents show the marriage was done as part of a "Muslim custom called 'Nikah.'" The documents describe the two as being joined "culturally."
Police say the young woman learned of her arranged marriage in December, and she fled the state upon hearing the news. After 15 days out of state, she returned to Phoenix to finish high school.
On Monday, multiple family members brought her to Abdullahi's apartment "against her will," according to court records.
Once at the apartment, near 33rd and Van Buren streets, Abdullahi punched her in the face and started to strangle her with one hand around her throat, police say.
Abdullahi tore off her clothes, continued to slap her and bite her, and ultimately sexually assaulted her, according to court documents.
"During the entire incident, the victim was not free to leave and physically held against her will," the arresting officer writes in a probable-cause statement. "The defendant placed his mattress against the door so the victim could not leave after he fell asleep."
The woman was able to get her tablet out of her purse and message a friend to call police. Officers arrived at the apartment, although Abdullahi hid from officers. Police found him at the apartment the next morning.
According to court documents, Abdullahi had visible injuries to his hand and genitals, and had apparent blood stains on his shirt and underwear.
Abdullahi was booked into jail on charges of kidnapping, sexual assault, aggravated assault, and misdemeanor assault. A judge ordered him held without bail.
Phoenix police Sergeant Trent Crump tells New Times none of the woman's family members had been arrested in this case, which he says still is under investigation.
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