Heartless teen steals iPhone from wheelchair of quadriplegic man with cerebral palsy who needs device to SPEAK

By Helen Pow

Published: | Updated:

Police have arrested a teenager accused of stealing a cell phone that a quadriplegic man with cerebral palsy used to speak.

William Washington, 38, is unable to walk, talk or use his hands but his iPhone helped him communicate by reading out messages he typed using a special pointer.

However, on November 8, the precious gadget was snatched from the tray of his wheelchair while he was sitting in the lobby of his Staten Island, New York, apartment building, and all he could do was watch.

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Targeted: William Washington, 38, is unable to walk, talk or use his hands but his iPhone helped him communicate by reading out messages he typed using a special pointer, pictured

Targeted: William Washington, 38, is unable to walk, talk or use his hands but his iPhone helped him communicate by reading out messages he typed using a special pointer, pictured

The theft left Washington feeling helpless and 'scarred,' he told NBC News.

Without his iPhone, Washington has to use a clunky computer to help him communicate.

'You shouldn't steal from a disabled person who relies on a special device to reach out to the world,' he told the TV station with the help of a computerised voice.

Theft: On November 8, the iPhone was snatched from the tray of Washington's wheelchair, pictured, and all he could do was watch

Theft: On November 8, the iPhone was snatched from the tray of Washington's wheelchair, pictured, and all he could do was watch

After the incident, Washington was unable to call 911 so reported the theft by drafting an email to the NYPD.

Using surveillance video, police were able to track down the 18-year-old suspect, but when they caught up with him he no longer had the phone.

Washington works at Staten Island's Hungerford School, helping children with similar disabilities.

Email: After the incident, Washington, pictured, was unable to call 911 so reported the theft by drafting an email to the NYPD

Email: After the incident, Washington, pictured, was unable to call 911 so reported the theft by drafting an email to the NYPD

His assistant Robert Smith couldn't believe someone would stoop so low as to steal from a disabled person.

'How could someone prey on a person in a wheelchair? It's really disheartening,' Smith told NBC.

Washington now knows that despite not having a phone, he still has a voice. But, thanks to his friends, a new iPhone is on its way, to make it a little easier.


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