Tonawanda, N.Y. — Authorities in New York are investigating a severe assault at a non-profit facility dedicated to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The incident, which took place at People Inc. located on Heritage Road, involved one patient attacking another, raising significant concerns about safety standards within the organization.
The troubling event occurred on April 1, when staff from People Inc. were returning from a day trip with four patients. As they parked the company van outside the facility, one patient began to exhibit aggressive behavior, attacking a fellow patient by pulling her hair, biting her, and forcefully smashing her head against a van window.
According to the employee statements to police, the assault was particularly brutal, rendering the victim unconscious and in a critical condition. Efforts to intervene were hampered due to the physical arrangement inside the van, forcing the staff to seek additional help inside the building. By the time assistance arrived and police were on the scene, the attacked patient had already gone into cardiac arrest multiple times. She was subsequently rushed to Erie County Medical Center with a broken neck and her survival was uncertain.
The responding officers charged the aggressive patient with assault and he was arraigned and taken to the Erie County Holding Center. Given the severity of the incident and previous reports of aggression, the police report described the assailant as a significant public danger.
In response to inquiries about the incident, People Inc. issued a statement expressing deep sympathy for the injured party and reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and well-being of all its clients. However, the organization refrained from further comments due to the ongoing investigations.
The case has drawn the attention of the New York State Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. Erin Silk, Assistant Director of Communications for the office, emphasized safety as their foremost concern but declined further comment due to the ongoing nature of the investigation. Similarly, the state’s Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs was approached for comment on the matter but stated that it could not discuss ongoing investigations.
Ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations within care facilities remains a critical issue, highlighted by incidents such as this. As investigations continue, stakeholders at various levels are prompted to reevaluate safety protocols and supervision standards to prevent such severe incidents in the future. The community and advocates are closely watching to see what measures will be implemented to enhance security and care for those at similar facilities across the state.