Several persons in Stewart Town, St Ann, on Monday had to rush to the aid of an elderly vendor who was said to have been attacked and slapped across the face several times by a young man who said she short-changed him by $10.

Information reaching THE STAR is that a group of people had to restrain the 23-year-old man who was ranting that he was cheated after purchasing cigarettes from the woman.

given change

According to reports, about 5:30 p.m., the 65-year-old woman sold a number of cigarettes to the accused man. He was given change but claimed it was short by $10.

The elderly vendor is said to have told the man that she had checked the money before handing it to him.

An argument developed during which the woman was slapped several times and had to be saved from being further abused by a number of persons who were nearby and witnessed the ordeal.

It is said further claimed that the woman's attacker even threatened to hit her with a stone when she attempted to escape from the abuse.

in custody

The man, now in custody in relation to the incident, is Jason McGee of a Steer Town address, also in the parish. He is expected to be charged with assault today.

Corporal Wesley Banton of the Area Two police told THE STAR that McGee was accosted and handed over to the police.

"Persons at the scene ran to the woman's help after the stone was picked up. He (McGee) was held and the police alerted who later took him into custody," Corporal Banton said.