3 charged after 87-year-old dementia patient pepper-sprayed, Manchester Twp., NJ, Police say

Three people are facing charges after police said an 87-year-old dementia patient was pepper-sprayed in an assisted living facility in Ocean County last month.

Alleged elder abuse in Ocean County, NJ

The Manchester Township Police Department says that at about 9:00 Wednesday night, March 19th, their officers were called to Whiting Gardens on Hilltop Road for a report of an altercation between staff and a patient.

At the scene, cops said they spoke with Lisa Erikson, a licensed practical nurse (LPN), who reported that an 87-year-old patient who suffers from dementia, depression, and anxiety had become agitated and began damaging property within the facility.

Erikson told police that in response to the perceived threat, she deployed personal pepper spray to de-escalate the situation.

Staffers at the assisted living facility eventually confined the patient to his room until first responders arrived.

According to authorities,

As part of the investigation, officers obtained statements from staff and reviewed surveillance footage. The video showed the patient damaging property at the nurses' station before walking down the hallway in a manner that did not appear aggressive or threatening. Ms. Erikson is then seen approaching the patient from behind and deploying pepper spray directly to his face at extremely close range, followed by a second application.

The patient then fell to the ground and remained unattended for several minutes before being forcibly moved to his room by CNA Joshua Benner, with assistance from Erikson, per police.

The patient remained in his room and was left without medical aid for approximately 46 minutes.

• READ MORE: Experts say this is how much to tip your food delivery person in New Jersey

On April 2nd, charges were filed against the following people:

Lisa Erikson, 58, of Manchester

• Aggravated assault
• Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
• Abandonment or neglect of an elderly person or disabled adult

Erikson was apprehended on April 11th and transported to Ocean County Jail awaiting a detention hearing.

Celia Anetz-Sanzari, 58, of Manchester, the on-duty nursing supervisor

• Abandonment or neglect of an elderly person or disabled adult

Joshua Benner, 34, of Brick, Certified Nursing Assistant

• Abandonment or neglect of an elderly person or disabled adult

Manchester Police reminded healthcare professionals and caregivers of the importance of following proper protocols when dealing with vulnerable people, especially in long-term care facilities. Ensuring the safety, dignity, and rights of every patient remains a top priority in our community.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.