Mineola Residents Cautioned Over Aggressive Panhandler

Mineola residents and businesses are being cautioned about a recurring problem in the village by a homeless man who is “aggressive” in confronting passersby and reportedly harassing businesses, asking for money.

Commonly referred to as “Mr. Wheelchair Man,” village trustee George Durham is asking residents not to give him money and businesses not to feed him.

“He is harassing our family members, residents and business owners,” Durham said at the during the May 16 meeting of the . “We need to be proactive if he’s bothering you or interrupting the operation of your business or its customers to please call the Third Precinct and make a complaint. We have talked to the Third Precinct for help on this and have been told to call in harassment complaints.”

The man has reportedly been harassing students at the as they disembark the train as well as women whom are on their way to getting their hair done on Saturday mornings to families eating at local restaurants. While mostly conducting his panhandling along Jericho Turnpike, part of the man’s alleged behavior also includes blocking access to cars until he obtains money. The man has reportedly also had a warrant and was arrested for panhandling in the past.

“We can’t let this continue, it’s gone on long enough; we need your help in this,” Durham said, warning residents not to confront the man but to instead simply call the police.