[08-13-2022] Merced County, CA – Elderly Man Attacked with Baseball Bat on Rose Lawn and Linwood Avenue

According to the Merced County Sheriff’s Office, an elderly victim was beaten up by a drunk man allegedly using a baseball bat during their argument in Merced County on Saturday, August 13, 2022.

The incident occurred on Saturday night at a house near Rose Lawn and Linwood avenues.

The deputies claimed that when they arrived, they discovered the suspect, later identified as Matthew C., lying in the house’s front yard and appearing intoxicated.

During their investigation, deputies claim they found evidence that Costa had entered the house intoxicated and started a confrontation with an elderly man.

Investigators claimed that Costa grabbed a baseball bat during the argument and began striking the elderly man.

Officials did not say if Costa knew the victim he was accused of attacking.

The deputies took Costa into custody and put him in a patrol car, where Costa kicked one of the car’s back doors and caused damage.

Charges of elder abuse and vandalism to the patrol car led to Costa’s booking into the Merced County Jail.

Elder Abuse Statistics

There are many forms of abuse against the elderly; in this case, physical abuse was involved. Abuse of the elderly often involves physical contact between the abuser and the victim. Punching, slapping, or hitting another person can cause physical injury. There’s also a chance they’re implying they’re being physically restrained for the purposes of abuse or extortion.

As in the rest of the United States, elder abuse is pervasive in California. One in ten people over the age of 60 in the United States have been victims of elder abuse, defined as maltreatment of a person due to their advanced age. There are approximately five million yearly victims of elder abuse in the United States. Only one in every 24 people will disclose an incident of abuse.

Comparatively lower than the national average of 38.5%, the California Department of Social Services receives reports of 31.9% of all incidents of elder abuse in the state.

Those who intentionally cause or permit emotional or physical harm to an elderly person are subject to criminal penalties under California Penal Code section 368(c). This provision also applies to adults who are financially dependent on you but are able to provide for themselves.

Merced County Elder Abuse Lawyers

Unfortunately, the elderly aren’t always treated with the decency they should. Criminals prey on the elderly through schemes, fraud, or even simple assault and robbery because of their perceived vulnerability.

Scammers target the elderly by making them believe they have won a prize or by pretending to be their primary caretaker in order to gain access to their homes.

Abuse of the elderly is a threat to the very foundations of our society. With the help of a California lawyer specializing in elder abuse injury cases, you can accomplish your legal goals without jeopardizing the health and happiness of a loved one.

Our Merced County elder abuse lawyers at Arash Law are ready to fight for the rights of the elderly who have been harmed by abuse. Call us at (888) 488-1391 or complete our online intake form to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers.