EAST NORWICH, NY – A Syosset man was arrested Friday night following a disturbance in East Norwich that escalated into an alleged assault and unlawful imprisonment, according to the Nassau County Police Department.
Detectives from the department’s Second Squad said officers responded at approximately 10:45 p.m. on January 16, 2026, to a reported disturbance in the parking lot of a restaurant located on Oyster Bay Road. Investigators determined that the suspect, Syed Ibrahim Ali, 25, of Syosset, was involved in a confrontation with a 30-year-old woman.
Police said the dispute escalated when Ali allegedly dragged the victim out of the restaurant and pinned her to the ground. The woman was able to break free and returned inside the restaurant to call 911, but investigators said Ali followed her, took her cellphone, and fled the scene in his vehicle.
Authorities said the victim entered the vehicle in an attempt to retrieve her phone, after which Ali allegedly drove westbound on Northern Boulevard with the victim still inside. While in the vehicle, the victim was able to send messages to officers indicating a possible destination.
Following a coordinated investigation, units from the New York City Police Department Highway One division located the suspect and victim on Bartow Avenue in the Bronx, where police said the two were engaged in a physical altercation on the side of the roadway. Ali was taken into custody and transported back to Nassau County for processing.
Both the victim and the defendant sustained minor injuries but declined medical treatment at the scene, police said. Ali faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges and is scheduled to be arraigned Sunday at First District Court in Hempstead.
Key Facts and Details
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Syed Ibrahim Ali |
| Age | 25 |
| Residence | Syosset, NY |
| Victim | 30-year-old female |
| Initial Incident Location | Oyster Bay Road, East Norwich |
| Date & Time | January 16, 2026 – approximately 10:45 p.m. |
| Allegations | Assault, unlawful imprisonment, obstruction of breathing |
| Vehicle Incident | Victim allegedly driven westbound on Northern Boulevard |
| Recovery Location | Bartow Avenue, Bronx |
| Assisting Agency | New York City Police Department |
| Injuries | Minor injuries to both parties |
| Medical Treatment | Refused by both |
| Charges | Criminal Contempt (1st Degree), Criminal Mischief (4th Degree), Assault (3rd Degree), Unlawful Imprisonment (2nd Degree), Criminal Obstruction of Breathing (2nd Degree), Aggravated Criminal Contempt |
| Arraignment Date | January 18, 2026 |
| Court | First District Court, Hempstead |
| Investigating Unit | Nassau County Police Department – Second Squad |
