Worcester Man Allegedly Robbed Man In Wheelchair

WORCESTER, MA—A man is facing charges after allegedly ripping off a man in a wheelchair of his cell phone and money.

Around 8:40 p.m. on Sunday, July 15, police were called to the area of 950 Main St. for a report of an unarmed robbery of a male in a wheelchair. Witnesses told police that the suspect went up to the man in the wheelchair and began making small talk. Shortly afterward, he demanded items and cash from the man, and started to hit him in the head and shoulders. He took the victim's smartphone and cash, and ran, said police.

Police found the man within minutes near the area of Main and Claremont streets.

Juan Santiago, 45, Worcester, was being questioned by police when the cell phone that was allegedly stolen began to ring. Santiago was identified by a witness as the assailant and was placed under arrest. While waiting for the wagon to transport Santiago to the station, he began to scream at the male in the wheelchair, calling him a “bitch” and a “snitch” and other insults.

Juan Santiago is charged with Assault and Battery on a Disabled Person with Injury, Unarmed Robbery, and Intimidation of a Witness. He will be arraigned in Worcester District Court.

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