SURPRISE, Ariz. — The 26-year-old suspect in multiple violent incidents in Arizona and a murder in New York is staying in Arizona, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said in a news conference Wednesday.
Raad Almansoori was arrested last week in connection with stabbings in Surprise and Phoenix. He's also accused of being involved in a homicide at a New York City hotel.
Despite facing charges in the death of the 38-year-old woman in SoHo, Mitchell said Almansoori will stay in Arizona and face the two stabbing charges.
She said her decision not to extradite Almansoori is not "aimed" at the New York Police Department.
"We're going to keep him here," Mitchell said. "Having observed the treatment of violent criminals in the New York area, by the Manhattan DA there Alvin Bragg, I think it's safer to keep him here and keep him in custody so that he cannot be out doing this to individuals either in our state or our county or anywhere in the United States."
Emily Tuttle, a representative for the Manhattan district attorney, said it's "deeply disturbing that" Mitchell is "playing political games in a murder investigation," according to an NBC News report.
The Arizona prosecutor's actions are offensive to the "NYPD and all of our law enforcement partners," Tuttle added.
Police during Wednesday's new conference said the Almansoori told investigators he had plans to commit more crimes.
"He made statements to our investigators that he had plans to continue committing violent acts," Surprise Police Sergeant Rick Hernandez said.
Almansoori is facing several charges, including attempted homicide, aggravated assault and theft, officials said.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Surprise Police Department at 623-222-4000, 623-222-TIPS (8477) or email crimetips@surpriseaz.gov. When contacting the police, reference incident number #240203381.
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