OKC Woman Assaulted At Gas Station While Praying With The Homeless

One person was arrested after allegedly attacking a woman as she prayed with members of the homeless community at a gas station in downtown Oklahoma City, Friday night.

Police officers responded to a gas station, located near N. Western Avenue and W. Sheridan Avenue, around 10:45 p.m. The 56-year-old victim visits the gas station, often to pray with the local homeless population.

 “I feel sorry for these people,” said the victim. “I try so hard to help them.”

Her heart to help turned to pain last Friday. The victim was praying with a homeless woman outside this gas station.

“I tried to comfort her,” said victim. “I said Jesus can take your pain away right now.”

According to the report, the victim told officers that while she was praying with a homeless woman, another homeless woman, identified as 38-year-old Catherine Clair, approached them.

The victim said she is familiar with her because she has taken Clair to church in the past. She was also able to take a picture of Clair before the surprise attack. She said she bent down to pray with the woman and was punched in the head.

‘That’s when the lady came with her fist,” said victim. “Hit me right here in the head so hard it almost knocked me unconscious.” 

The victim told officers that while she was on the ground, Clair also kicked her in the stomach and head.

“I didn’t know what was going on or anything,” said victim.

Clair reportedly told police that she wanted the victim to leave because she hated that she frequently came to the gas station to pray with the homeless.

“She indicated she did not like the woman coming out to pray with them,” said MSgt. Gary Knight, Oklahoma City Police Department. “Decided she was going to do something about it.”

Clair stated that she didn’t know she couldn’t hit people for saying things she didn’t agree with, police said. She was taken to the Oklahoma County Jail and booked on one count of assault and battery.

“I forgive the lady,” said victim. “She was on drugs and alcohol so she wasn’t in her right mind.”

The victim said she has been attacked and robbed in the past while ministering to the homeless.