CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Clarksburg resident is behind bars after being accused of assaulting an 81-year old that was sharing his home, according to West Virginia State Police.
On Thursday witnesses reported John Carter, 51, hit the 81-year-old man who is reportedly a blind cancer survivor.
Carter has been charged with elder abuse causing injury and five counts of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
The witness told troopers they saw Carter consuming alcohol before he hit the elderly man in the face. The witness said they observed redness and blisters on his back from what is believed to be a heating pad.
Police determined Carter was convicted previously for wanton endangerment with a firearm and is prohibited from possessing firearms. Troopers said despite the conviction Carter was found with multiple firearms in his home.
The victim told troopers Carter hit him in the face, causing it to swell and a tooth to loosen. He also said Carter had recently physically abused him after he had back surgery as well.
Carter is being held in the North Central Regional Jail on a $75,000 bond.