Blind Salvation Bell Ringer Beaten, Injured by Duo: Police

A man and a woman beat a blind, 41-year-old Salvation Army Bell Ringer at a Greenburgh hamburger restaurant Saturday, injuring the man because they thought he cut in front of them in line.

The attack occurred at about 3 p.m. at Smash Burger, located on Tarrytown Road.

The victim, whose identity was not released, was on break and was standing in line when Valhalla resident Juan Rodriguez, 30, accused the man of cutting in line and punched the legally blind man to the ground, according to Greenburgh police.

Rodriguez then straddled the victim and continued to punch him in the head, while his friend, Mount Vernon resident Audrianna Wignal, 21, kicked him.

At one point, Rodriguez also “threw the Salvation Army Kettle at the victim striking him in the head,” police said.

The victim was transported to White Plains Hospital where he was treated for head and facial injuries.

Police charged Rodriguez and Wignal with misdemeanor third-degree assault. Additionally, Rodriguez is currently on parole for a separate second-degree assault charge, and and Wignal is currently on probation for second-degree criminal mischief.

Rodriguez’s charge was subsequently upgraded to felony second-degree assault, and he is awaiting arraignment.

The investigation is continuing, and Greenburgh police are urging anyone with information to contact detectives at 914-989-1723.

Photo: Juan Rodgriguez, left, and Audrianna Wignal. Photo credit: Greenburgh Police Department