Man pushed from wheelchair in Brooklyn spat over large dogs

A disturbing incident in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, has left the community shaken and concerned about potential racial tensions. The altercation occurred between two neighbors, Levi Kabakov and Troy McLeod, on March 29th. McLeod, who is wheelchair-bound, was out walking his two muzzled German Shepherds when Kabakov, an Orthodox Jew, confronted him about crossing to the other side of the street with his dogs.

According to McLeod, Kabakov became agitated and struck him with a wooden bench before violently pushing him out of his wheelchair and onto the pavement. A video of the incident, posted on Reddit, captured the shocking moment when Kabakov forcefully pushed McLeod, causing his head to hit a parked car.

Witnesses in the video can be heard expressing outrage at Kabakov’s actions, with one person calling out for someone to call 911. Despite McLeod’s dogs being well-trained and muzzled, Kabakov continued his assault by throwing a wooden block at McLeod while he was on the ground.

McLeod, who suffered injuries to his hands, shoulders, and torso, described feeling scared and shocked by the attack. Kabakov was arrested the following day and charged with assault, criminal possession of a weapon, aggravated menacing, and attempted assault. He was arraigned and released without bail, with a court appearance scheduled for July.

The incident has sparked concerns within the Crown Heights community, given the neighborhood’s history of racial tensions. In 1991, Crown Heights was the site of violent riots following the accidental death of a young boy in a motorcade carrying a Jewish religious leader. District Leader Anthony Beckford condemned the attack on McLeod and called for justice to be served.

Rabbis from the Jewish community also issued a statement denouncing the assault, emphasizing that there is no justification for violence against someone in a wheelchair. They expressed support for holding the perpetrator accountable for his actions.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this disturbing incident, efforts are being made to prevent further escalation of tensions and promote unity. District Attorney Eric Gonzalez’s office has been urged to prosecute the case to the fullest extent, sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.

Overall, the incident has highlighted the importance of mutual respect and understanding within diverse communities like Crown Heights, emphasizing the need for compassion and empathy in times of conflict.