Esther Deaver, a familiar sight to many in Winston-Salem because of her pink bicycle, beaten in a parking deck. Police said she was in critical condition.

Esther Eyvonnie Deaver, 85, was assaulted shortly before 7 a.m. Sunday in a parking deck at Baptist, Winston-Salem police said.

Police report that Donald Norwood Jr., 65, assaulted Esther Eyvonnie Deaver, 85, in a parking deck and subsequently dragged her into a stairwell.

85-year-old Esther Deaver, known to most as "Ms. Esther," has been in critical condition in a local hospital — recovering from her injuries.

85-year-old Esther Deaver, known to most as "Ms. Esther," has been in critical condition in a local hospital — recovering from her injuries.

Esther Deaver Park on East Avenue is a gem. Neighbors had no idea it would take so long, said Tom Solberg, who led a petition drive in 1997 for a park.