CROSSVILLE MAN ARRESTED FOR ABUSING 70-YEAR-OLD MOTHER

Crossville Police received an APS (adult protective service) referral for a son allegedly abusing his elderly mother with whom he lived.  When Police arrived at the residence, the mother appeared to be in fear and reluctant in speaking to the officer.  The Officer asked if her son was in charge of taking care of her and she replied “the best he could”.  The mother said her son was asleep but she would speak to the police later.  Police did speak to the mother later on when she ‘broke down and said she lives in constant fear of her son because he is always cussing her, breaking things, and taking her phone.  She told police her son had punched and broken the headboard of her bed.  Police returned to the house and found the subject, 44-year-old Daniel Tapley asleep on the couch.  Police noted in the report seeing the broken headboard. Tapley’s mother had told police her son had spoken of ‘suicide by law enforcement in the past which caused the officers to detain Tapley for his and their own safety.  According to the police report: “Tapley assumed the role of caregiver for his mother and committed the offense of domestic assault.  His actions of domestic assault adversely affected her health and welfare.”  Tapeley was also charged with neglect of an elderly adult. Tapley was booked into the Cumberland County Justice Center.  Officers advised that they be notified upon the release of Tapley. The Avalon Center was also contacted with the information to give aid, if needed, to the elderly woman.