A Storm Lake woman has been arrested after witnesses tell authorities she was seen striking a man in a wheelchair. At approximately 11:10 a.m. Monday, Storm Lake Police officers were dispatched to a location near the Buena Vista County Courthouse. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the pair. Seventy-year-old Joyce Owens identified herself as the mother and caretaker of the handicapped male and indicated he was dealing with mental health issues. The victim was transported to Buena Vista Regional Medical Center by ambulance for an evaluation. Police then allege that Owens created another disturbance at the medical center, and had to be removed. Following an investigation, Owens was arrested and charged with dependent adult abuse, a serious misdemeanor, and criminal trespass and disorderly conduct, both simple misdemeanors. She was booked into the Buena Vista County jail on a $1,000 bond. The incident has been reported to the Iowa Department of Human Services. The Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office assisted in that investigation.
