'I can't wait for you to die soon!' Tennessee nursing assistant charged with elder abuse

by WTVC

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A certified nursing assistant threw a 90-year-old Alzheimer's patient out of a shower and started beating him, saying "I can't wait for you to die soon!" according to Chattanooga Police.

The incident happened on Wednesday in the early morning hours at the Ascension Living Valley Residence on Mountain Creek Road, which is a facility for people with Alzheimer's disease.

The victim required two certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to give him a shower, while he was seated in a shower chair.

The other CNA told officers that she and 51-year-old Gary Christopher Crownover were giving the victim a shower when the victim hit Crownover in the face, which knocked off his glasses.

The affidavit says Crownover then

..became very upset and pulled the chair with the victim in it completely out of the shower and then dropped the chair and victim onto the floor. Witness stated Mr. Crownover then hit the victim in the head with closed fist multiple times and then smacked victim in the face with open palm multiple times. Witness stated Mr. Crownover stated "I can't wait for you to die soon" to the victim. Witness stated she was shocked with the incident.

The CNA said she and Crownover then picked the chair and victim up off of the floor and dried him off.

There was blood on a towel from a knee injury the victim sustained during the beating, and he also had redness on his right eye, according to the affidavit.

After putting the victim to bed, the CNA reported what she saw to her supervisor, who immediately called the police.

The affidavit says police were advised that Crownover had been "sent home on suspension" before officers got there.

Authorities arrested Crownover later in the day on Wednesday and charged him with abuse of a vulnerable adult.

We reached out toAscension Living, who tells us via email:

"The health and safety of our residents and associates is of the utmost importance. We take these allegations very seriously and are cooperating with law enforcement officials on this matter. The associate is no longer working and has no access to the facility. We are committed to ensuring a safe environment and remain dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of our community."

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'I can't wait for you to die soon!' Tennessee nursing assistant charged with elder abuse