Home Aide Stopped Cops From Helping Injured 90-Year-Old: Police

Nassau police arrested a home care aide from Huntington Station on Wednesday after police say she tried to stop them from entering her elderly patient's home to check on her well being.

According to authorities, officers went to the Garden City Park home of a 90-year-old woman at 10:23 a.m. to perform a wellness check. When they arrived, the officers were met by 32-year-old Tasha Smalls, who was the woman's home health aide. Police say the officers told Smalls they were there to check on the woman, but Smalls refused to let them into the home.

After the woman opened the door for the officers, police say Smalls tried to stop them from entering and prevent them from checking on the woman.

The officers investigated and determined that the elderly woman tried to call 911 to report an injury after a radiator fell on her leg, but Smalls allegedly took the phone from her and stopped her from calling for help. Police arrested Smalls, and the 90-year-old woman was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Smalls is charged with endangering the welfare of an incompetent person, endangering the welfare of the elderly, obstruction of government administration and fourth-degree criminal mischief. She is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday in First District Court in Hempstead.

Photo: Nassau County Police Department

Story by Alex Costello