Man arrested after report of alleged elder abuse

by: McKenna Galloway

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — A man was arrested after a witness reported suspected elder abuse in Harrison County.

The witness stated that he saw 51-year-old John Carter become physical with the 81 year old victim at their shared address in Clarksburg and that the victim was scared to report the incident, according to a criminal complaint. The victim was reported by the witness to be blind and have neuropathy.

The witness later told officials that on or about Nov. 28 he saw Carter strike the victim with “an open hand to the face” and that “there was redness and blisters on the victims back alleged to be from a heating pad.” The witness also stated that there were multiple unsecure firearms in the home, and noted that Carter was “experiencing suicidal and homicidal ideations and he does not feel safe around him.”

When looking through Carter’s criminal history, it was discovered that a previous conviction prohibited him from owning a firearm.

On the same day, troopers executed a search warrant at the residence, where after Carter was removed the victim disclosed additional alleged abuse. Troopers also observed redness on the victims face and cuts on his mouth.

Carter was arrested for five counts of prohibited person in possession of a firearm and one count of elder abuse causing injury. He is being held in the North Central Regional Jail. 

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Man arrested after report of alleged elder abuse