Rochester man accused of stabbing female stranger; charged with attempted murder

(ABC 6 News) – A Rochester man faces a charge of stabbing a woman on the street Friday night.

According to Rochester Police Capt. Casey Moilanen, 26-year-old Abdulkadir Ali is accused of approaching a 25-year-old woman at 8 1/2 St. and 15th Ave. SE at 6:14 p.m. Sept. 15, and stabbing her in the back several times with a kitchen knife.

Ali appeared in Olmsted County Court Monday, Sept. 18, and was charged with 2nd-degree attempted murder–with intent, not premeditated; as well as 2nd-degree assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily harm.

According to Moilanen, Ali and the woman did not know each other — he allegedly told police had left his home with the intention of stabbing someone who “appeared weak” and thought the woman fit the bill.

According to court documents, another woman intervened after Ali allegedly knocked the woman to the ground and began stabbing her.

Ali then fled on foot toward the Cub Foods nearby and called dispatch on his way.

According to Moilanen, police arrested Ali at the Cub Foods, and found a knife he said was his on the ground nearby. Police also noted blood on Ali’s hands, according to court documents filed Monday.

He allegedly told law enforcement he had schizophrenia and had planned to either stab someone or run someone over for several months.

According to court documents, Ali also told law enforcement that he had homicidal thoughts and sought “revenge” on people who didn’t like him.

The woman was transported to the hospital via ambulance. Moilanen said her injuries were not life-threatening.

Ali is currently held in the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center on $2 million bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 27.