Epileptic Driver Dragged from Car and Beaten After Seizure-Induced Crash
A disabled driver has recounted the terrifying moment he was allegedly dragged from his car and brutally beaten by an enraged motorist, just seconds after suffering an epileptic seizure that caused him to crash his vehicle. Louie Watkins, a 23-year-old trainee engineer who lives with epilepsy, was driving along New Barn Road in Gravesend, Kent, when he lost control of his car.
Seizure Leads to Devastating Collision
Louie Watkins explained that he felt a seizure coming on while driving, describing the experience as "very scary." He believes he was swerving across the road before spacing out completely. The next thing he knew, he had clipped another vehicle and crashed into a tree, writing off his car entirely. Fortunately, he believes no one in the other vehicle was injured during the initial collision.
Violent Attack Follows Crash
However, Louie's nightmare was only beginning. As he regained consciousness after the crash, he saw a man in a blind rage beating on his window and attempting to force open the door. "I am holding onto the gearstick and the door to try to stop him from getting in while he is yelling repeatedly: 'Open the f****** door,'" Louie recalled. Despite his efforts, the man managed to open the driver's side door and pull him from the vehicle with such force that the gearstick was torn from its box.
Louie, still disoriented from the seizure, desperately tried to explain that he needed help as he was recovering from a medical episode. Instead, he found himself on the ground in a curled-up position, being punched in the face and kicked in the ribs. "I am on the floor in a ball, trying to cover myself after he starts punching me in the face and booting me in the ribs," he said. The attacker also attempted to take away Louie's phone while he was trying to call his father for assistance.
Hospital Treatment and Recovery
Emergency services eventually arrived at the scene, and Louie was rushed to Medway Maritime Hospital. He spent approximately six hours in the trauma ward, where he underwent a CT scan due to concerns about internal bleeding. The scan results came back clear, but Louie sustained numerous injuries, including a black eye. Medical professionals advised him to take about two weeks off work to rest and recover from the traumatic incident.
Legal and Medical Background
Louie Watkins is a registered disabled person who passed his driving test last year after going a full year without seizures, as required by UK law. His last seizure occurred about 18 months ago, and the DVLA is fully aware of his medical condition. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures, where sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain can lead to loss of awareness or control.
Police Investigation Underway
Kent Police confirmed that officers were called to New Barn Road near Northfleet at 8:52 AM on Saturday, February 7. They attended the scene, closed the road for investigation, and arrested a 47-year-old man on suspicion of attempted grievous bodily harm. The suspect has since been released on conditional bail pending further inquiries. Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or may have relevant dashcam footage to come forward by calling 01474 366149 and quoting reference number 46/21052/26. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
This disturbing case highlights the vulnerabilities faced by disabled drivers and the severe consequences of road rage incidents. Louie's experience serves as a stark reminder of the importance of understanding medical conditions like epilepsy and responding with compassion rather than aggression in crisis situations.
