Kezia Perkins told police in Greenfield that she was waiting for a handicapped spot when the elderly woman stole it, TV station WITI-TV reports. Surveillance video then shows Perkins walking up to the elderly woman's car and yelling through a window.
After a moment, the elderly woman got out of her car. A witness says Perkins then chest butted her.
John Rawlings saw the confrontation. He rushed to help the elderly woman lying on the pavement.
"This lady chest-butted," Rawlings said. "From what she told me when I was tending to her, she just had hip surgery done. She couldn't move. It may have come undone."
Another bystander flagged down a police officer.
Perkins allegedly told police that "it's not my fault the elderly woman bounced off my big (chest)."
She was arrested for aggravated battery. Police say her driver's license was suspended, and the handicap placard in her car was invalid. It was also not in her name.
Perkins' lawyer said that the confrontation was the result of a misunderstanding.
The lawyer issued the following statement:
- "This was an unfortunate accident that came about after a misunderstanding between two individuals. Ms. Perkins is, herself, disabled, however the fact that her disability is not immediately noticeable led to confusion between the two women. More than anything, this case highlights the need for individuals to be aware of and sensitive to the fact that many people may suffer from disabilities and ailments that are not always readily noticeable. We believe that the facts will come out as this matter progresses and that ultimately Ms. Perkins will be cleared of the charges in this case."