A dispute over a handicapped parking spot outside a Wal-Mart in Wisconsin ended with one woman under arrest and a second woman in the hospital.
Kezia Perkins, 32, was allegedly having trouble maneuvering her vehicle into the parking spot, when a 71-year-old woman turned in front of her and took the space, according to a police report obtained by television station WITI in Milwaukee.
Surveillance photos showed Perkins walk up to the victim’s car and appeared to be yelling through the passenger side window.
When the victim got out of her vehicle, Perkins allegedly “chest-bumped” the 71-year-old woman who fell to the ground, the station reported.
Perkins allegedly told police, “It’s not my fault the elderly woman bounced off my big (chest),” according to the station.
When officers ran her plates, it turned out that Perkins was driving on a suspended license and that her handicapped placard wasn’t registered in her name, police told the station.
The victim underwent surgery for a broken leg and a second hip replacement, WITI reported.
Perkins’ attorney issued the following statement to WITI:
“We maintain Ms. Perkins’ innocence relating to the charges that have been brought by the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office. This was an unfortunate accident that came about after a misunderstanding between two individuals. Ms. Perkins is, herself, disabled, however the fact that her disability is not immediately noticeable led to confusion between the two women.
More than anything, this case highlights the need for individuals to be aware of and sensitive to the fact that many people may suffer from disabilities and ailments that are not always readily noticeable. We believe that the facts will come out as this matter progresses and that ultimately Ms. Perkins will be cleared of the charges in this case.”
This story was originally posted by KTLA’s sister station WITI in Milwaukee.