Steuben County Caregiver Reportedly Beat Elderly Victim With Dog Dish

A Canisteo man was arrested following an alleged assault on an elderly victim, according to the New York State Police.

On March 14, troopers responded to a residence on East Main Street after receiving a report of an assault. The victim, who required in-home care, told authorities he had been struck in the face with a dog dish by his caregiver, identified as Michael Morris, 52, following a verbal altercation.

The victim sustained minor injuries, including a laceration on his nose, facial swelling, and a black eye. He also reported that after the incident, Morris forced him to drive to a local Dollar General and then took his car keys to prevent him from leaving. Fearing for his safety, the victim left on foot and sought help from a nearby residence, where he called 911.

Troopers attempted to locate Morris at the Dollar General, but he had already left the area. After contacting him by phone, Morris initially agreed to meet officers but did not show up. Authorities later found him at his home on Fall Creek Road, where he was taken into custody without incident.

Morris has been charged with second-degree assault for injuring a victim over the age of 65, as well as criminal possession of a weapon and unauthorized use of a vehicle. He was transported to the Steuben County Jail for arraignment.

Authorities have not released further details on the case.