Waterbury man allegedly attacked person with special needs

WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH) – A 53-year-old Waterbury man is facing charges after police say he used a cane to attack a special needs student at an adult vocational rehabilitation program.

Andre Dickens was arrested Tuesday and charged with second-degree assault on a disabled/mentally retarded person. He was released on $20,000 bail.

According to police, Dickens worked as a professional assistant at ICES in Trumbull, a program that helps adults with disabilities.

According to police, Dickens attacked the 41-year-old, non-speaking student for no reason. Dickens was sitting on a chair opposite the student at the time.

The student suffered cuts and injuries to his face while trying to escape from Dickens, police said. Dickens then lied and said the student tripped and fell. He drove the student to a hospital and then drove away.

According to police, Dickens later said he did not hit the students but chased them with the stick. Police pointed out that there was a video of the attack.