SAN ANTONIO – Recently, Bexar County prosecutors dismissed a misdemeanor assault charge against a man named Roque, who has a visual impairment. Roque claimed that he was pushed down the stairs and beaten by security staff at a club in North San Antonio last fall.
Roque suffers from retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that severely limits his vision, especially in low light conditions. He was initially charged with misdemeanor assault and felony assault against a security guard following an incident at a club located in the 4500 block of North Loop 1604 West.
According to Roque, he and a friend were being escorted out of the bar when his friend paused to explain that Roque could not see well. Roque stated that a security guard then pushed him, causing him to fall down the stairs.
Roque alleges that after falling, he was handcuffed and taken to a parking lot where he was physically assaulted. This account raises serious questions about the treatment of individuals with disabilities in public spaces and the responsibilities of security personnel.
Bar management, however, presented a different perspective. They claimed that Roque threw a punch at a security guard, which led to the altercation. They also mentioned that multiple security staff were reportedly struck during the conflict.
The situation was further complicated by Roque’s criminal history, which includes a prior conviction for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. This context was highlighted by Amrollah, a representative of the bar, who emphasized the need to consider Roque’s past behavior when discussing the incident.
Following the incident, the bar decided to sever ties with the security company involved, opting to collaborate with a different firm to ensure better practices in the future.
While the misdemeanor assault charge against Roque has been dismissed, it could still influence the outcome of the felony assault case he is awaiting indictment for. This highlights the complexities involved in legal proceedings and the importance of fair treatment, especially for individuals with disabilities.
