Woman in wheelchair victimized

A woman in a wheelchair was assaulted yesterday while panhandling at Abbott and Water streets. A man approached her and allegedly punched her in the face, then called her a hateful name before walking away.

The victim made her way to a nearby overdose prevention site, where she reported the assault to staff, who then called police. Police located the suspect and he was arrested. Charges related to the assault and the verbal comments have been recommended.

The victim suffers from severe cerebral palsy.