Man Robs Double Amputee At Knifepoint In Home Invasion: W. Warwick PD

WEST WARWICK, RI — A man was arrested Sunday after police said he robbed a 65-year-old double amputee at knifepoint during a West Warwick home invasion.

Nelson Justiniano De Jesus, 54, of West Warwick, was charged with first degree robbery and assault on a severely impaired/disabled person.

Around 5:30 p.m., Aug. 5, West Warwick police were called to a local elderly housing development for a report of an armed robbery. When police arrived, they found a 65-year-old man, who is a double amputee and wheelchair bound. The victim told officers he was assaulted, and his apartment was robbed.

According to police, De Jesus knocked on the victim's door, and after the man opened it, De Jesus pulled a knife on him and demanded money. De Jesus then threw the victim to the ground, causing him to fall out of his wheelchair, police said.

Police said De Jesus then tried to take cash and a phone from the apartment, but the victim, while still on the ground, tried to stop him. De Jesus then assault the man again before running away, police said. The victim suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

Police set up a search for De Jesus, but did not find him. But then, on Sunday, the investigation led to officers identifying De Jesus as the suspect. Around 4:45 a.m., police got a warrant and arrested De Jesus at his house.

De Jesus was arraigned in Kent County District Court on Tuesday. He was ordered held without bail.