Dorchester Man Accused Of Beating Disabled Man With Cane
BOSTON (CBS) --- Christopher Johnson, who has cerebral palsy, says he was attacked at Andrew Square MBTA station. "He swung and hit me in the chest with the cane. And then walked away," Johnson said.
The 44-year-old from Dorchester says the attack was unprovoked. On Tuesday afternoon police arrested Miquel Velasquez of Dorchester and have charged him with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and unarmed robbery. Police say surveillance video shows Velasquez come up from behind Johnson snatch his cane and hits him square across the chest, like he was swinging a bat. "There was no interaction before I could think he took the cane from me," Johnson said. Police picked up Velasquez in Watertown.
Police say tips from public helped lead to his arrest. Right now it's still unclear why Velasquez attacked Johnson. "I can't disclose what he did say but we will be confirming with the DA's office to see if we can get additional charges," MBTA Superintendent Joseph O'Connor said.
Velasquez left the scene with Johnson's cane which he uses every day. Johnson has cerebral palsy but is still able work every day and get around on his own. Johnson says he was shocked that the other people who witnessed the attack did not jump in to help.
"They didn't jump on their phone I was the one who called 911," Johnson said.
Johnson says he decided to come forward and tell his story because he deserves to feel safe and he's glad Velasquez is behind bars. "This is where I live and lay my head. I deserve to be safe," Johnson said.
Velasquez will be arraigned Wednesday morning in South Boston District Court.
See: Surveillance Photos