Funerals and celebrations of life are emotional parts of life. They are usually associated with lots of hugs and crying. James Stephen O’Neal had just left the Celebration of Life of Claire E MaDan at the Poinciana United Methodist Church. He was taking flowers out of his station wagon when he was attacked.
Here’s how Mr. O’Neal describes what happened:
“On Friday, August 23, we had a Celebration of her Life at Poinciana UMC at 7 pm. At 9 pm I was transporting the flower arrangements back to New Horizon at the rear of 38 Curtiss Parkway.
After unloading two arrangements a white Nissan pulled up in front and an irate man got out screaming profanities at me for semi blocking the narrow alley. He came to the back of the station wagon and slammed the hatchback down onto me while I was pulling the last flowers out and I was knocked to the ground.
I am a 71 year old disabled combat veteran of Vietnam. A report was filed, witness was interviewed and the individual has been identified.”
On Wednesday, August 28th, Miami Springs Police had arrested and booked Edward Fortney. He was charged with Aggravated Assault and Battery with a Deadly Weapon on a Senior Citizen.
