Police: Blind Salvation Army bell ringer assaulted with kettle
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Two people have been arrested for assaulting a Salvation Army bell ringer at a restaurant in suburban New York City Saturday afternoon, CBS New York reports.
Police said the 41-year-old bell ringer, who is legally blind, was on his break and standing at a Smashburger in White Plains with 30-year-old Juan Rodriguez and 21-year-old Audrianna Wignal when Rodriguez accused the bell ringer of cutting in line, according to the station.
Police said Rodriguez then punched the man, knocking him to the ground and straddling him while Wignal kicked him. Rodriguez then hit him in the head with a Salvation Army kettle, the station reported.
Police arrested Rodriguez and Wignal at the scene on assault charges, authorities said. The victim was taken to White Plains Hospital where he was treated for head and facial injuries.
Both suspects were arraigned Sunday. They posted bail but Rodriguez was arrested again Monday on an upgraded assault charge, police said. He is being held pending arraignment.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, according to CBS New York.