Man in Wheelchair Attacked, Family Seeks Help

The sister of a Newport Beach man, who uses a wheelchair to get around, is asking for the public's help in finding the man who punched her brother in the face and shattered his hip.

Alan Halderman, 56, was attacked on Monday at about 3:15 p.m. on West Balboa Boulevard in front of the Old Spaghetti Factory, according to his sister Sharon Halderman Frost. Alan Halderman suffered a stroke three years ago and his speech is limited as a result.

"He was coming home from picking up a prescription from the pharmacy and got into some sort of altercation with another man," Frost said. "I think it had something to do with the fact that he was riding his wheelchair in a crowded area."

Frost said after getting into a heated argument, the man punched Halderman twice in the face and pushed him off his wheelchair.

"Most likely the guy thought my brother was swearing at him, but it's just that he cannot really talk," Frost explained.

Halderman was only able to describe the man who attacked him as a white man, with a medium build and height. Frost said no one reported seeing the assault, and she is asking for the community's help in identifying the perpetrator.

"We really need help finding who did this. My brother had to have surgery because his hip was broken as he couldn't break his fall," she said. "If anyone saw what happened I hope they will come forward."

Nothing was stolen during the attack, and the motive is unknown.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Newport Beach Police Department at 949-644-3717, or email Sharon Halderman Frost at slhfrost@cox.net.