Alzheimer's patient accused in assault

WINDSOR, Va. (WAVY) - Police are investigating an aggravated assault in an Alzheimer’s ward at a Windsor nursing home Saturday.  WARNING:  The second picture attached to this story is a graphic photo of the victim's injuries.

Chief Vic Reynolds with the Town of Windsor Police told WAVY.com the assault occurred just before 8 p.m. at Consulate Health Care of Winsor, Va., located along Courthouse Highway.

According to Reynolds, a patient of the Alzheimer's ward entered the victim's room, closed the door and proceeded to assault the victim, who was in bed. The patient thought there was another man in the victim's room yelling racial slurs at him.

There is supposed to be an area where several staff members should be watching the patients in the ward, Reynolds added. Officers are investigating if staff was in the area at the time of the incident.

"I have concerns, but the concerns will be addressed through the State Board Adult Protective Services and Social Services. The family members are going to be kept abreast throughout the investigation," Reynolds said.

Consulate Health Care sent a statement to WAVY.com, stating they are " diligently working with local authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident that occurred at our center over the weekend." 

Executive Director Kelly Myles had no comment Monday.

Document: Statement from Consulate Health Care of Windsor

Police will present the case to the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for prosecution Tuesday. Reynolds said the man accused in the assault has been removed from the facility and has been taken to a more secure facility to treat his exact needs.

In 2011, Consulate Health Care employee Joan Myrick was arrested after police said she attacked an incapacitated Alzheimer's patient, putting lacerations to her lip, bruising her cheek and punching her eye, leaving it swollen shut.

Williams' granddaughter told WAVY.com her grandmother suffered severe wounds and is being treated at Sentara Obici Hospital in Suffolk.