Charge Dismissed Against Bragg and Case Filed Against Soofi

On Friday, December, 9, 2016 officers were dispatched to a 911 call from a female claiming that Carlton Bragg had struck her and pushed her down stairs.  Upon arriving to the 1000 block of Emery Road, officers made contact with Saleeha Soofi.  Soofi claimed that she was in an argument with Bragg in a stairwell and during the argument, Bragg punched her and shoved her down the stairs.  The officers photographed an injury to Soofi’s elbow.  Later that morning Bragg was interviewed and acknowledged he was involved in an argument with Soofi but he denied striking her.  Consistent with Lawrence Police Department policy Bragg was placed under arrest.

The District Attorney’s office reviewed the 911 call, initial investigative reports, in-car camera video of statements given by Soofi and photographs of Soofi’s injuries.   At the conclusion of the review, the District Attorney’s Office found there was probable cause to file a complaint against Bragg.

At approximately 2:30 p.m. on December 9, 2016, Soofi was requested to come to the Law Enforcement Center to further document any evidence of injury.  During this encounter Soofi indicated she may have struck Bragg first during the argument.  An interview was conducted and at the end of the interview pursuant to Lawrence Police Department policy Soofi was placed under arrest for battery.

Lawrence Police Department detectives became aware that a surveillance video possibly existed and returned to the scene on Saturday, December 10, 2016 and recovered a video.  Review of the surveillance video depicted a male and female in the stairwell of the building engaged in an argument.  The video depicts a female shoving and slapping the male in the chest numerous times and placing her hands near the neck of the male on at least two occasions.  After being struck by female, the male forcefully shoves her away from him causing the female to fall backwards up the ascending stairs behind her.

Based upon the additional evidence available to the District Attorney’s Office the charge against Bragg has been dismissed.  A one-count complaint charging battery has been filed against Soofi.  If approved by the district court, a summons will be issued for her appearance in court.

All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.  Charges are merely allegations of criminal conduct.

-30-