A 58-year-old New Jersey nurse, Lisa Erikson, was charged with aggravated assault and neglect after allegedly pepper-spraying an 87-year-old patient who suffered from dementia, anxiety, and depression. Allegedly, the elder patient was destroying property at a nursing center, and Erikson chose to use the spray to stop him.
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According to a Manchester Township Police statement, the incident took place on March 19, 2025. Officers arrived at Whiting Gardens, a nursing home located at 3000 Hilltop Road, at approximately 8:52 p.m. They had received a report regarding an altercation between a staff member and a patient.
Upon entering the nursing home, they found Lisa Erikson, who explained the situation to the responding officers. Reportedly, the 87-year-old patient, who suffers from dementia, depression, and anxiety, became agitated. This prompted them to begin damaging property inside the nursing home. When noticing the patient's actions, Erikson pepper-sprayed them. Following the spray, other staff members locked the patient inside their room, waiting for police and first responders to arrive.
Investigation
Police investigations shed some light on what actually happened. Video footage showed the patient damaging property, but, as per police, "did not appear aggressive or threatening." The video then shows Lisa Erikson approach the patient from behind. Then, at an extremely close range, she pepper-sprayed the patient's face two times.
After being sprayed, the patient fell to the ground and remained there for a few minutes without receiving any attention. He was eventually forcibly moved to their room by CNA Joshua Benner and Erikson, as per police. The patient remained inside for 46 minutes without any type of medical aid.
"Upon arrival, Manchester EMS rendered medical assistance and transported the patient to Community Medical Center (CMC) for further evaluation," the police statement reads.
Following the investigation, Lisa Erikson was charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and abandonment or neglect of an elderly person or disabled adult. She was arrested on April 11 and was booked into Ocean County Jail. Additionally, Joshua Benner and nursing supervisor Celia Anetz-Sanzari were charged with abandonment or neglect of an elderly person or disabled adult.
"We take this opportunity to remind healthcare professionals and caregivers of the importance of following proper protocols when dealing with vulnerable populations, especially in long-term care facilities," the statement concluded. "Ensuring the safety, dignity, and rights of every patient remains a top priority in our community."
