Driver Paralyzed After Dispute Over Handicapped Parking Spot

ST. CHARLES, Mo. (AP) - An Amazon driver who illegally parked in a handicapped-accessible parking space is paralyzed from the waist down after a suburban St. Louis man allegedly confronted him about it and shot him in the back.

Jaylen Walker, a 21-year-old who also worked as a personal trainer, said from his bed in the intensive care unit at Saint Louis University Hospital that his plans for the future had been to play with his 1-year-old son "just like any other father would," go back to school and play basketball, KSDK-TV reported.

"I just thank God I'm still breathing, and I still have opportunities," he said in a low voice with a brace around his chest and neck. "Just not the ones that I wanted."

Larry Thomlison, 65, of St. Charles, who isn't disabled himself but had a placard allowing him to park in handicapped-accessible spots because of a relative, was charged Wednesday with assault and armed criminal action in Tuesday's shooting outside a Target store in St. Charles. He is jailed on $100,000 bond. No attorney is listed for him in online court records, and a phone message left at his home wasn't immediately returned.

Walker said that he had just finished his shift when he pulled into a handicap parking spot while stopping to help a fellow driver.

Thomlison pulled out a cellphone to photograph the illegally parked delivery van, and posted the image to social media, according to charges. Then Thomlison confronted Walker about the parking spot and put his phone "in the face of" the Amazon driver in an attempt to photograph him, according to the charges. Walker said he told Thomlison that he was going to move but that "he kept harassing me." Charges say that when Walker pushed the phone away, Thomlison punched the driver. During the struggle, they ended up on the ground and Thomlison pulled out a gun, police say.

Prosecutors said surveillance video shows Walker trying to run away when he was shot in the back.

"When he pulled the gun out, my eyes were just amazed," Walker said from the hospital. "I tried to run in between two cars. He had a nice aim and hit me right in the spine."

St. Charles County Prosecutor Tim Lohmar said during a news conference that Thomlison should have known better and "showed clear reckless disregard for life." He said Thomlison had been through the St. Charles Police Citizen Academy twice. Had a concealed carry permit. Thomlison also was a member of the Community Emergency Response Team, a group of area volunteers who receive training from professionals in basic response skills such as performing CPR or treating various injuries.

Walker said he forgives the shooter: "I just have to move on. Justice will be served. I don't want to die with that on my heart."

Walker worked for a company contracted to deliver Amazon packages. His family says he has no insurance, and they've set up a GoFundMe page. An Amazon spokesman said in a statement that the company is "working with Walker, his family, and his company to help support him as he recovers." Amazon didn't elaborate.

Can I Apply For A Disabled Parking Badge For A Motorbike

For those who have never had to use a disabled parking permit, it can be difficult to understand their value for those with disabilities. Most people simply know that if they see the International Access Symbol, or wheelchair symbol, there are reserved parking spots they can park in. But what about motorbikes? If you’re wondering “Can I use my disabled parking badge on a motorbike?”, read on to find out! Disabled parking permits. Plates are extended to people who use motorbikes. Basically, the rules and privileges afforded to disabled drivers stand no matter what type of vehicle they are in - whether that’s a car or a motorbike. If you’re disabled but you can ride a motorbike, then there’s no reason not to explore the use of a motorbike disabled parking permit.

Many people might assume that riding a motorbike is dangerous or difficult, and that a person who is disabled would never be able to drive or ride on one - but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Plus, disabilities and the conditions that qualify a person for the use of a disabled parking permit may not impede someone’s ability to use a motorbike, especially in the case of those with invisible disabilities. Remember: never judge a person who doesn’t look disabled as someone who doesn’t qualify for a disabled parking permit.

It’s also important to note that you can have a motorbike disabled parking permit or plate if you are transporting someone with a disability.

How to Apply for a Motorbike Disabled Parking Permit

Obtaining a disabled parking permit for a motorbike follows the same procedures as any other vehicle. You first much get a form from the Department of Motor Vehicles (or the agency that runs the disabled parking permit program in your state), then you must fill it out with the help of a doctor who can certify your qualifying condition. The qualifying conditions vary from state to state, but in general, they include:

- Lung disease - Heart disease - Arthritis - The inability to walk more than 200 feet without stopping to rest - The use of an assistive device such as a wheelchair or cane for mobility - The loss of use of your hands or legs - Visual issues

If you think you may qualify for a disabled parking permit in your state, check with the DMV for specifics and discuss it with your doctor.

Different Types of Motorbike Disabled Parking Permit

There are a few ways that a motorbike user can show they have disabled parking privileges. The first and most common is a disabled license plate with the blue-and-white handicap symbol on it. These are available either permanently or temporarily, depending on your qualifying condition. If you are granted a temporary disabled parking permit, a new form will need to be filled out every six months to renew your permit. Permanent disability plates simply need to be renewed on the same schedule as normal license plates.

A motorbike can also display a disabled parking placard or permit. These are similar to the types normally seen hanging from the rearview mirrors of vehicles. Of course, motorcyclists will need to be creative with the placement of these permits, but they still must be easy to see in order to be legal.

A disabled parking placard may also be issued in addition to a plate for the motorcyclist to use in other vehicles in which they’ll be riding. These normally need to be renewed every two years but that can, again, depend on where you live.

Parking Motorbikes in Disabled Parking Spots

When someone has a motorbike disabled parking permit or plate, they are allowed to park in handicap parking. A motorbike may be smaller than a car, but the disabled parking permit allows for any vehicle it is on to access these parking spots.

Other parking privileges available to those with disabled parking permits or plates on their motorbike may include:

- Parking in metered parking without paying - Full-service fill-ups at gas stations - Parking anywhere with a handicap parking symbol

The places you can park with a disabled parking permit vary from state to state. It’s very important to check with your local DMV to ensure you understand where you may. May not park your vehicle - whether it’s a motorbike or another type of automobile.

If you love the feel of the wind in your hair as you drive your motorbike down the road, then there’s no reason to stop simply due to a disability! If you’ve been wondering, “Can I use my disabled parking permit on a motorbike?”, the answer is yes. Why not apply for a motorbike disabled parking permit today. Make life that little bit easier?