Victim Doesn’t Understand Why. But Won’t Let It Define Him

What started out as a day where David Scholzen celebrated a birthday and spent time with friends, ended in an attack. David Scholzen was on his way home from spending time with friends celebrating their daughters birthday early Sunday morning when he was attacked, beaten and robbed by two suspects who were shortly arrested afterwards, and charged. One is currently out on a $3,000 signature bond and GPS devise and the other suspect is still currently being held on a PO hold and a $2,500 bond.

As I spoke with David, I still noticed defensive bruises on his arms, where he tried to protect himself from the blows and kicks and still appeared to be very sore. He had sustained cuts to his head from the attack even though they are not quite as visible under his hair.

David explains that he doesn’t fully understand why this happened. He has thought about it numerous times and feels that it may have been because is he in a wheelchair. But as he as stated in a firm voice, he is not going to make this event feel like he has to hide in his home. He just moved to Racine in May from Milwaukee where he battled and successfully conquered medical conditions related to his paralysis. He’s a very independent and active person, often visiting with family and friends and will not let his wheelchair hinder his activity. He never complained about his paralysis to me, he tells me that he lost 2 of his friends in that accident and that he’s lucky to be alive.

He’s a person that will fight to enjoy as much as he can get out of life, that’s very evident. He doesn’t feel worried about being out and about again, knowing that one suspect is locked away and one cannot walk the streets being on an ankle bracelet. His family said that David is not a person that will not sit back and feel sorry for himself.

He is smarter than most people I know, after reading the criminal complaint and knowing that David had the foresight to realize that something was wrong when he saw his attackers, he predialed 911. Most others probably wouldn’t have but he did. We didn’t discuss what exactly happened during the events, since the suspects sill have to be prosecuted.

He wanted to make it very clear to me.. that he wanted to thank the 911 dispatchers, the Racine Police Department for their quick response, and to rescue personnel who tended to his injuries. He added that he and his family would like to thank Racine community for their outpouring of support since the attack. He finds peace knowing that people he’s never met offer support and encouragement and that the community has pulled together and wants justice.

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