Disabled Driver Allegedly Dragged from Car and Beaten After Seizure-Induced Crash
A young disabled driver claims he was violently dragged from his vehicle and brutally assaulted by another motorist after suffering an epileptic seizure at the wheel and crashing into a tree. The incident, which occurred near Northfleet in Kent, has left the victim traumatized and hospitalized with multiple injuries.
Violent Confrontation Following Medical Emergency
Louie Watkins, a 23-year-old trainee engineer who has epilepsy, was driving along New Barn Road on Saturday morning when he felt a seizure coming on. "I suffer from epilepsy, and I felt like a seizure was coming on," Watkins recounted. "It was very scary, and I believe I was swerving across the road. I spaced out, and I did not know what I was doing."
When he regained consciousness, his vehicle had crashed into a tree. What happened next has left him deeply shaken. Watkins says a man in a blind rage began beating on his window and trying to force open the door.
Desperate Struggle and Violent Assault
"As I looked to my right, I saw a man beating on the window, trying to pull open the door," Watkins described. "I am holding onto the gearstick and the door to try to stop him from getting in while he is yelling repeatedly: 'Open the f****** door.'"
Despite his efforts to hold on, the alleged attacker managed to open the driver's side door and pull Watkins from the vehicle with such force that the gearstick was ripped from its housing. "I am still not quite with it, but I am explaining that I need help as I am coming out of a seizure," Watkins said.
Once on the ground, Watkins curled into a defensive ball while the man allegedly punched him in the face and kicked him in the ribs repeatedly. "I am on the floor in a ball, trying to cover myself after he starts punching me in the face and booting me in the ribs," he recalled.
Medical Treatment and Police Response
Watkins was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital where he spent approximately six hours in the trauma ward receiving treatment for his injuries, which included a significant black eye. Medical staff conducted a CT scan to check for internal bleeding, which fortunately came back clear.
Kent Police responded to the incident at 8:52 am on Saturday, February 7. Officers closed the road while investigating the circumstances. A 47-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm and has since been released on conditional bail pending further inquiries.
Background of the Disabled Driver
Louie Watkins is a registered disabled motorist whose last seizure occurred approximately 18 months ago. He passed his driving test last year after waiting the legally required full year without seizures. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is fully aware of his medical condition.
"They told me to take time off work for about two weeks and to go home and rest," Watkins said regarding his medical advice following the assault.
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Kent Police have issued an appeal for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who might possess relevant dashcam footage to come forward. Witnesses are urged to contact police on 01474 366149 to assist with the ongoing investigation.
A police spokesperson confirmed: "Officers were called to New Barn Road near Northfleet at 8.52am on Saturday, February 7. Officers attended and closed the road while they investigated the circumstances. A 47-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm. He has been released on conditional bail pending further inquiries."
The incident has raised serious concerns about violence against disabled individuals and the appropriate response to medical emergencies on public roads. Watkins' family arrived at the scene to find the alleged attacker's wife attempting to apologize as blue lights filled the road and authorities secured the area.
