A Worcester man allegedly assaulted and robbed a man in a wheelchair

Worcester police arrested a local man Sunday night for allegedly assaulting and robbing a man in a wheelchair.Juan Santiago, 45, of Worcester, first approached the victim around 8:40 p.m. on Main Street and began engaging in small talk with him, according to police. Soon after, he made demands to the victim and then began hitting him on both the head and shoulders, police said.After taking the victim’s cash and smartphone, Santiago fled the scene, according to police.Within minutes, police approached Santiago near the area of Main and Claremont streets. While police questioned Santiago, the victim’s phone allegedly rang in his pocket. A witness then identified him as the assailant, and he was placed under arrest, police said.While being arrested, Santiago allegedly shouted various insults at the man in the wheelchair, including calling him a “snitch.”Santiago was charged with assault and battery on a disabled person with injury, unarmed robbery, and intimidation of a witness. He was expected to be arraigned in Worcester District Court.