Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta

Cops: Woman punched for parking in N. Fulton Publix handicapped spot

Police car with lights on (stock photo).

Credit: Westend61

Credit: Westend61

Police car with lights on (stock photo).
By Mitchell Northam
July 7, 2017

Sandy Springs police arrested a man after he assaulted a woman in a Publix parking lot because she parked in a handicapped-accessible parking spot.

Joel Joa Sierra, of Norcross, was charged with disorderly conduct and taken to the Alpharetta jail on June 25 after witnesses told police that he struck a Sandy Springs woman in the face three times with a closed fist.

According to the police report, officers responded to 8725 Roswell Road around 12:40 p.m. that day and spoke with the woman who said she was assaulted.

READ: Dog killed, man injured in attack by pit bulls

READ: Man killed after hostage standoff at Wells Fargo

READ: Cops: Teen 'lookout' marks 4th arrest in brutal rape case

The woman told police that Sierra and his family became angry with her for parking in the handicapped-accessible parking spot “without authorization.”

Police did not say if the woman had a handicapped-accessible parking pass.

The woman told police that Sierra started yelling at her and taking photos of her and her car. The woman told police that Sierra then assaulted her.

After speaking with three witnesses, police arrested Sierra.

Like North Fulton County News Now on Facebook | Follow on Twitter and Instagram

MORE N. FULTON NEWS...

Sandy Springs police say Ricardo Raffington left his kids alone in a car at 2 AM to pickup a key from a hotel room.

About the Author

Mitchell Northam
More Stories

Keep Reading

Atlanta police and fire recruits stand in front of the leadership building on the grounds of The Atlanta Public Safety Training Center on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Natrice Miller/ AJC)

Atlanta police and firefighters will train together for first time in decades

Mayor Andre Dickens celebrates opening of training center after years of pushback

Atlanta man abducted by Taliban was reportedly beaten, told to renounce faith

Atlanta Catholic George Glezmann said the Taliban constantly tried to get him to convert to Islam through physical abuse and promises of freedom during his 2-year detainment.

Beltline advances affordable housing plan for 31 acres in Bankhead

Atlanta Beltline officials are looking for proposals to build affordable single-family housing in Bankhead.

The Latest

Atlanta police and fire recruits stand in front of the leadership building on the grounds of The Atlanta Public Safety Training Center on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Natrice Miller/ AJC)

Atlanta police and firefighters will train together for first time in decades

Atlanta man abducted by Taliban was reportedly beaten, told to renounce faith

Beltline advances affordable housing plan for 31 acres in Bankhead

Featured

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum, accompanied by Atlanta Fire Chief Roderick Smith, provided an update to the press during a media tour at the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. They discussed the new Simulation Center, which will enable officers to train for various crime scenarios, including domestic disputes, commercial robberies, and kidnappings. Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. (Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez/AJC

After protests, lawsuits, and millions spent, Atlanta training center opens today

The state-of-the-art center became a flashpoint for activists, who formed a movement called “Stop Cop City.” One protester was shot by police and dozens more face charges.

A beloved Southern condiment is sandwiched between regions

Ownership of Duke’s Real Mayonnaise hasn’t been so stable lately. The most recent sale was in February to Northern-based private equity firm Advent International.

Antisemitic party invite raises uproar at Savannah college

Jewish students at the Savannah College of Art and Design were shocked when they saw what appeared to be an antisemitic party invitation on social media.