Thanks to the police, one especially spiteful bully will have his day in court

Most people hate bullies, but there are some who are especially spiteful.

On May 10, 2017, a 22-year-old man with cerebral palsy pulled into the parking lot of a 7-Eleven in West Chester, Penn.

Standing outside was Barry Baker and some of his friends.

Mr. Baker was captured on surveillance video as he made fun of the disabled victim exiting his vehicle and entering the store.

He mocked how he walked and can be seen laughing with his friend outside the store. When the victim came back out of the store, Baker again mocked him. Approaching the victim and without warning, he sucker-punched the victim in the face.

Baker, 29, then walked away.

West Chester Police Chief Scott Bohn said: “The defendant’s actions in this case are appalling. You wonder what would make an individual treat somebody like that.”

Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan added: “This defendant is a bully. Every decent citizen should be outraged by the defendant’s conduct. The victim is to be commended for keeping his cool and notifying the police.”

Suspect Barry Baker. Photo courtesy of Chester County D.A. Office

There are bullies and then there are bullies. After some investigation, Mr. Baker was arrested and booked for assault. I’m certain the officers were especially satisfied to have captured the suspect in this case. According to media reports, Baker has a lengthy criminal history that includes theft and forgery.

Thanks to the power of the Internet, Mr. Baker now is famous. Hopefully the shame he has brought upon himself, his family and his community will have some impact.

Like many other bullies, mean girls and evil people, Mr. Baker soon will find out that video lives on the Internet forever.

Joe is a retired Anaheim Police Department captain. You can reach him at jvargas@behindthebadgeoc.com.