Wheelchair bound nun chased, assaulted

On October 25, 2012, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

By Jim Clark

A reported case of an unwanted man at Little Sisters of the Poor on Highland Ave. brought police to the facility last Wednesday.

As responding officers arrived, a man, later identified as Shawn Byron, 45, was reportedly observed chasing a nun in a wheelchair towards the front entrance of the building. As the nun reached the main entrance, officers said they observed Byron kick her on her leg and the wheelchair as well.

As the main entry operated under an electronic locking system, police had to wait to be “buzzed” in before they could render assistance. The nun reportedly struggled to reach the door’s release button and nearly fell out of the wheelchair while doing so, police said.

Once inside, officers located Byron, who was reportedly screaming at his mother and causing a disturbance among residents. The nun who was assaulted reportedly pleaded with police to remove the man from the building.

As Byron was handcuffed and escorted from the building, he reportedly continued shouting at residents and police officers, using racial epithets and threatening officers with bodily harm, according to police.

While awaiting transport for booking, Byron reportedly bolted from police in an attempt to escape. He was subsequently captured and advised that pepper spray would be used if he did not calm down.

Once inside the police transport vehicle Byron reportedly thrashed around and remained emotionally violent.

Byron has been charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and threat to commit a crime.

 

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