Visually impaired man alleges police beat him after accidental collision

A young visually impaired man in Peru has accused a National Police officer of assault in Nuevo Chimbote, Ancash region. The incident allegedly occurred after the victim, identified as Erick Vidal Briceño, accidentally bumped into the officer while walking with his uncle.

Vidal recounted that he immediately apologized and explained his visual impairment. However, the officer, reportedly from the Buenos Aires police station and identified by the surname Inga, allegedly responded with insults and physical aggression. Vidal stated he was hit in the face and fell multiple times during the altercation, with his uncle intervening to defend him.

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I told him sorry, I can't see, and he started insulting me. My uncle also told him 'but he can't see,' and he started hitting me. I felt the aggression in my face and that's when I fell for one of the first times. I fell on several occasions during the whole brawl, and that's when my uncle came out to defend me.

Further complicating the situation, Vidal claims that police at the local station were hesitant to register his complaint. He reported being questioned about why he, as a blind person, would file a report and who he intended to blame. Officers allegedly repeatedly asked for his disability card, seemingly doubting his condition.

Adding to the distress, Vidal stated that some family members who defended him were detained for nearly 24 hours. He also noted that although he eventually managed to file a report, he has not yet undergone a forensic medical examination, as the police directed him to a different district for the procedure. Vidal, who is studying law, expressed his frustration with the alleged mistreatment and obstacles in filing his complaint.

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How are you going to file your report if you are blind? Who are you going to blame?