KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — A Knoxville woman is facing several criminal charges after police say she pushed a disabled woman from her wheelchair and left her stranded before taking the chair and leaving the area.
According to court records, the incident happened around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday on Fifth Avenue near Arthur Street in Knoxville.
Investigators said the victim was sitting in her wheelchair when 61-year-old Donna Caudill allegedly approached her, grabbed her arm, and pushed her out of the chair before fleeing with the wheelchair.
Authorities said the victim is disabled and unable to walk. After being left without her wheelchair for several hours, she was able to have someone call 911 at approximately 6 p.m.
The victim told police that Caudill was seen pushing the wheelchair along Broadway toward downtown Knoxville.
Officers later located Caudill on North Broadway near Oak Avenue. According to court records, Caudill initially told officers the wheelchair belonged to her but was unable to provide any proof of ownership.
Police said Caudill later admitted she had encountered the victim earlier in the day and pushed her out of the wheelchair.
Caudill was taken into custody and transported to jail. She has been charged with robbery, theft, and assault in connection with the incident.
The victim’s wheelchair was recovered, and the case remains within the court system.
