A disturbing incident at a Chattanooga dementia and Alzheimer’s facility has led to the arrest of a nursing assistant accused of assaulting a 90-year-old resident. Gary Crownover, 51, is facing serious charges after allegedly punching and slapping the elderly man during a showering procedure.
Key Takeaways
- Gary Crownover, a certified nursing assistant, has been suspended from his job.
- He faces charges of assault and abuse of a vulnerable adult.
- The incident reportedly occurred in a shower room at Ascension Living Valley Residence.
- A witness reported that Crownover became aggressive after the victim accidentally hit him in the face.
- Crownover allegedly made threatening remarks to the victim during the assault.
Incident Overview
On October 24, 2024, Officer Beau Allison responded to a report of elder abuse at Ascension Living Valley Residence. According to the complaint, Crownover was assisting the victim in the shower when the incident occurred. The facility requires two certified nursing assistants to help residents during showering, and Crownover was working alongside another assistant.
The witness stated that while the victim was seated in a shower chair, he accidentally hit Crownover in the face, knocking off his glasses. This seemingly triggered Crownover's aggressive response. He reportedly pulled the chair out of the shower and dropped the victim onto the floor.
Allegations of Abuse
The allegations against Crownover are severe. He is accused of:
- Hitting the victim in the head with a closed fist multiple times.
- Slapping the victim in the face repeatedly.
- Making threatening remarks, including saying, "I can’t wait for you to die soon."
The witness described being shocked by the incident, noting that Crownover was cursing at the victim during the assault. After the incident, both Crownover and the witness helped the victim back to his feet and dried him off.
Evidence of Assault
Following the incident, the victim was found with visible injuries:
- Blood on the towel from his left knee.
- Redness around his right eye.
The victim, due to his advanced age and diminished mental capacity, did not speak during the officer's investigation. However, the witness promptly reported the incident to authorities, leading to Crownover's suspension and subsequent arrest.
Legal Proceedings
Crownover was sent home on suspension before police arrived. He is currently being held at the Hamilton County Jail on a $20,000 bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for October 31, where he will face General Sessions Judge Larry Ables.
This incident raises serious concerns about the treatment of vulnerable adults in care facilities and highlights the importance of oversight in such environments. As the case unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how the legal system addresses these troubling allegations.
