Livonia Family Sues City Over Teen’s Assault at Recreation Center

In Livonia, a family is taking legal action against the city following a disturbing incident at a local recreational center where their 13-year-old son was assaulted. The lawsuit claims negligence from the city, alleging that there was a failure in training and supervision that could have prevented such an attack.

The events unfolded on June 8, 2023, when a 29-year-old man, identified as Moeez Irfan, encountered the teenager while passing on a stairway inside the center. Witnesses described how the situation escalated, as Irfan proceeded to strike the boy in the head multiple times. A video recording captured both the assault and the eventual arrest of Irfan by police officers, who faced resistance but ultimately subdued him.

After the incident, both Irfan and the young victim were promptly taken to medical facilities for evaluation. Irfan underwent a psychiatric assessment at a nearby hospital before being arrested on multiple charges, which included aggravated assault and ethnic intimidation.

The lawsuit filed by the teenager’s family lists several counts against the City of Livonia, the recreational center, and the local police department. Among these is Count 1: Negligence, accusing the city of failing to provide a safe environment for its patrons, particularly vulnerable minors. The family argues that the city should have been aware of Irfan’s prior criminal history, which included serious charges dating back to 2010.

Another point raised in the lawsuit is Count 3: Negligent Supervision, where the family claims that the recreational center lacked adequate security measures and supervision. They argue that this failure directly contributed to the attack and that those with known violent histories should have been monitored more closely.

The family is also citing Count 5: Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, noting that their son not only suffered physical injuries, like a concussion, but also ongoing emotional trauma, including nightmares and severe anxiety triggered by the event. The lawsuit states that the lack of immediate intervention from bystanders and law enforcement exacerbated the severity of the attack.

Another accusation is Count 7: Violation of Civil Rights, claiming that the city and police department allowed a racially motivated attack to occur, failing to protect the civil rights of the child. The family highlights that there was no prompt public warning regarding the potential dangers present in the recreational center.

The suit also emphasizes that the recreational center had a duty to maintain safety standards on its premises, which falls under Count 4: Premises Liability. The family argues that the environment was not safe for minors, demonstrating a significant oversight in the management of the facility.

The family is seeking legal judgment for costs and damages, hoping to hold the city and its agencies accountable for what they see as a serious lapse in safety protocols. As this case unfolds, it raises pressing questions about public safety and the responsibilities of local authorities to protect their community.