GETTYSBURG, Pa. — A 19-year-old Adams County man is facing multiple charges after police say he attacked a wheelchair-bound woman during an incident at his home on Easter Sunday.
Austin Noel, of Gettysburg, is charged with one count of aggravated assault and two counts of simple assault in connection to the alleged attack, which authorities say occurred on March 31 at his Madeline Court home.
According to Bonneauville Borough Police, an investigation against Noel was launched on April 4, when the victim showed up at New Oxford High School with a bruise around her left eye. Adult Protective Services contacted police, according to a criminal complaint affidavit filed by authorities.
The victim reported that on Easter Sunday, she was in her home with Noel when someone knocked at the door. The victim answered it and let a friend of Noel's into the home. This action angered Noel, who started a verbal altercation with the victim.
During the altercation, Noel allegedly struck the victim in the eye, then pulled her from her wheelchair and dragged her into the living room by her hair, the victim reported. He then threw the victim's cell phone to the ground, smashing it, according to police.
In addition to the bruise around her eye, the victim also suffered two broken bones in her right knee that later required medical treatment, according to police.
The victim told police she was afraid of Noel, according to the complaint.
The victim's account of the incident was corroborated by another witness in the home, police said.
