Police: Robber pushes wheelchair-bound man into traffic, steals wallet

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Investigators said a robber tried to kill an Osceola County man and his dog by shoving them out of a wheelchair into oncoming traffic.

Jose Mojica told authorities a man was watching him as he withdrew money from an ATM at a Shell gas station on Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway in Kissimmee on Saturday.

As Mojica tried to get home, police said, Sonny Abreu, 24, caught up with him and tipped him out of his wheelchair into oncoming traffic along U.S. 192.

The robber ran away after stealing $240 from the victim,
 
Mojica, who suffers from muscular dystrophy, was unable to get up and said several cars drove by before someone stopped to help.

“After about the third car passed me, a vehicle stopped and an individual got out of the car, and he was able to help me out,” said Mojica.

Mojica’s small dog, Lola, was also injured in the attack, authorities said.

“I was scared,” said Mojica. “I have no family here, and this dog is my only family."

Mojica said Abreu also kicked Lola as she tried to protect him.

“I'm glad that he was caught and the legal system will put him away so that he will not victimize anyone else,” said Mojica.

Deputies used surveillance video from the gas station to track down Abreu, who was charged with attempted murder, robbery, abuse of a disabled adult and animal cruelty.

WFTV