77-year-old man is assaulted at Pittsfield Township nursing home
A Willis man has been released from jail on a promise to appear in court after investigators said he assaulted a resident of a Pittsfield Township nursing home Saturday.
James Christopher Townsend, 45, was arraigned Sunday at the Washtenaw County Jail on charges of third-degree abuse of a vulnerable adult, fourth-degree abuse of a vulnerable adult and assault and battery, court records show.
Townsend, a care worker at Whitehall Healthcare Center of Ann Arbor, is accused of shoving a 77-year-old man Saturday morning at the facility on East Morgan Road, Pittsfield Township police said.
Police Lt. Brandon Williams said the victim did not require medical attention. Williams said a couple of people witnessed the assault. He did not have further details.
On Sunday, Magistrate Mark Nelson released Townsend on a promise to appear, court records show. A public defender is expected to be appointed to represent Townsend.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 14.
Lee Higgins covers crime and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached by phone at (734) 623-2527 and email at leehiggins@annarbor.com.
Comments
Daniel
Mon, Jul 18, 2011 : 12:06 a.m.
To all you commenting, especially you with the stupid cat icon, this is exactly what happens when you only hear ONE SIDE OF THE STORY. I know James, and he isn't all a villan like you're making him out to be. Hey "Lee", don't you think it would be worth mentioning the man that was allegedly "shoved" (I heard strangled at first) has psychiatric issues and a history of psychically fighting with people (including a pregnant woman) and has a strength you wouldn't believe for a 77 year old man? Are you also aware that Whitehall continuously mandates people to work extra shifts on a regular basis? Which can easily lead to drowsiness and sleep deprivation. Considering this happened at 4 am, (midnight shift) He could of very well lost his cool if he was overworked and tired and this man started beating on him, like he did two weeks before when he struck James in the face and left a red mark? Lastly, do you know CNA'S and Nurses have no proper training in how to deal with psychically combative residents/patients? I'm not supporting Jame's actions, but I'm not vilifying him either, just looking at it from the perspective of someone who works at Whitehall, and knows what the people are like.
Maxwell
Wed, Jul 20, 2011 : 3:20 p.m.
Are you serious? Just exactly when did it become required for a lynch mob to get their facts straight before exacting their vigilante justice?
drut_ferguson
Thu, Jul 7, 2011 : 12:24 p.m.
This looks like a job for the Gray Panthers! Fire up the Rascal Scooters and let's ride!
arborani
Thu, Jul 7, 2011 : 2:03 p.m.
Guess it's funny until it's *your* elder relative.
Peacemaker
Wed, Jul 6, 2011 : 5:11 p.m.
Don't second guess the Magistrate; he or she heard all the evidence -- you did not!
smokeblwr
Wed, Jul 6, 2011 : 2:41 p.m.
Given the typical commenting on crime stories here recently I'm surprised I haven't read any of the following: 1) This is what happens when Ann Arbor lays off cops! 2) The senior should have had a gun to protect himself and always be aware of his surroundings! 3) Another crime committed in Ann Arbor by somebody from OUT OF TOWN!! Glad to see we are keeping it fresh.
JS
Thu, Jul 7, 2011 : 3:05 p.m.
Definitely enjoying the witty sarcasm ;)
CincoDeMayo
Wed, Jul 6, 2011 : 11:07 p.m.
Funny.
smokeblwr
Wed, Jul 6, 2011 : 2:59 p.m.
I stand corrected on two of the points: 1) This crime was committed in Pittsfield Twp, so they have plenty of cops 2) This crime was committed in Pittsfield Twp. and not in Ann Arbor by OUT of TOWNers. Thanks to those of you who pointed that out to me.
quitoslady
Wed, Jul 6, 2011 : 11:49 a.m.
So many times the people abusing the elderly just get fired and don't face the criminal justice system, good to see they are pressing charges.
Cash
Wed, Jul 6, 2011 : 11:28 a.m.
Hasn't been that long ago when Rep Irwin introduced a bill dealing with senior abuse, there were posts here decrying the need for it to be exclusively for elderly abuse. Now do you get it? I would like to thank the witnesses for speaking up and reporting this guy. I know all too well that there's a fear of reprisal for reporting these "care givers". If you are visiting a loved one and report an abuse....and you leave, will your loved one pay the price?
CincoDeMayo
Wed, Jul 6, 2011 : 11:09 p.m.
We should all be grateful to those who speak up like these witnesses did. Good point Cash.
Sallyxyz
Wed, Jul 6, 2011 : 3:49 a.m.
And they let this guy out? Give me a break. The perp "promises" to appear in court after assaulting a vulnerable older adult. The magistrate who made this decision needs to be replaced.
Roadman
Wed, Jul 6, 2011 : 3:35 a.m.
What is particularly disgusting is that the defendant is released without bond after being charged with a crime of violence against a vulnerable person. This has been a pattern from local magistrates of poor defendant release decisions.
RJA
Wed, Jul 6, 2011 : 2:59 a.m.
OMG, If this man is found guilty, FIRE him and make him pay for this assault. I have 0 tolerance for senior abuse.
WalkingJoe
Tue, Jul 5, 2011 : 9:27 p.m.
If this is true I hope this guy get's the punishment he deserves. This is about as bad as child abuse. And he was a care worker at Whitehall, well I hope he's now a former care worker.