CNA Charged After Pushing Resident In Pinellas County Nursing Home

PALM HARBOR, FL — A former nursing home employee is facing an abuse charge after Pinellas County authorities said she pushed a disabled resident to the ground after they asked her for ice.

Delana Dallas-Hudson, 51, is charged with abuse of a disabled adult following the May 24 incident at Orchid Cove at Palm Harbor, located at 2600 Highlands Blvd.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Delana Dallas-Hudson, who was a certified nursing assistant at the facility, pushed the resident to the ground after they requested ice from her multiple times.

Authorities said several witnesses told deputies they heard the resident request ice before hearing someone fall to the ground. Police said another staff member told deputies they heard Dallas-Hudson say, "Go ahead, hit me."

Police said deputies later learned that despite their request for ice, Dallas-Hudson gave the resident a cup of ice and water. The resident, who is nearly non-verbal, followed Dallas-Hudson, asking for ice, when Dallas-Hudson grabbed and crushed the cup they were holding, causing the ice water to splash on the resident, police said. Dallas-Hudson then pushed the resident to the ground, according to authorities.

Deputies later found and interviewed Dallas-Hudson, who authorities said admitted to crushing the cup and causing ice water to splash on the resident. According to authorities, Dallas-Hudson also admitted to pushing the resident in the chest even though they didn't threaten her.

Authorities said the resident suffered minor injuries. Authorities also confirmed Dallas-Hudson is no longer employed at Orchid Cove at Palm Harbor.