Charges: Teen attacked Minneapolis school staff member in hallway

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - An 18-year-old student at Harrison Education Center in Minneapolis is now charged with two counts of assault after allegedly attacking and critically injuring a staff member.

Corey David Burfield, 18, is charged with both first degree assault and third degree assault. He faces up to 20 years behind bars and a $30,000 fine.

Family members identified Mohammed Dukuly as the staff member, who remains in critical condition at Hennepin County Medical Center. Relatives told Fox 9 Dukuly is breathing on his own, but is not responding to commands.

According to the criminal complaint, on Tuesday, a school resource officer saw Burfield walk up to Dukuly, knock him to the ground and punch him multiple times in the head and neck. Burfield had to be "forcibly removed" from Dukuly, who became unresponsive.

In addition to multiple witnesses, surveillance cameras also captured the attack. According to the charges, the video shows Burfield first tried to grab Dukuly's belt, which is where Dukuly keeps his building keys and campus radio. When Dukuly attempted to push Burfield away, the teen grabbed Dukuly by the shirt, pushed him against a wall and to the floor and started punching.

In an interview with police, Burfield claimed Dukuly "took a swing" at him and he was acting in self-defense.

Burfield is in custody at Hennepin County Jail. He will have his first court appearance Thursday.