Nun continues recovering after assault; Teen charged

ALIQUIPPA, Pa. — Authorities said a retired nun who was assaulted in the parking lot of an Aliquippa church has been released from the hospital.

Police said the attack happened Friday morning behind St. Titus Roman Catholic Church.

The 85-year-old victim wasn’t able to speak due to her injuries but wrote on a piece of paper that she had been assaulted, police said.

According to the criminal complaint, Andrew Bullock, 18, asked the elderly nun if she needed help. She said no and tried to walk away before Bullock grabbed her, choked her to the ground and punched her.

The woman suffered a broken jaw and cuts, and underwent surgery while at Allegheny General Hospital.

The woman is recovering at the Sisters of St. Joseph mother house. She’s expected to make a full recovery.

“She’s a trooper. She’s a real trooper,” Aliquippa Assistant Police Chief Don Couch said. “She’s doing fantastic.”

Investigators say Bullock's boots matched a footprint in the snow from the scene, and he eventually confessed to the attack. He faces several charges, including aggravated assault.

According to a statement sent by the victim’s sisters, “The sister is a passionate advocate of nonviolence, peace and justice.”

WPXI