Wheelchair-Bound Tennessee Man Crawled Down Stairs to Escape Beating by Ex-Girlfriend, Police Say

Wheelchair-Bound Tennessee Man Crawled Down Stairs to Escape Beating by Ex-Girlfriend, Police Say

CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE — A 29-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly attacking her wheelchair-bound ex-boyfriend during a violent altercation that forced him to crawl down a flight of stairs to escape, according to police.

The Chattanooga Police Department confirmed that Taneshia Gearing was taken into custody Friday on charges of domestic assault and vandalism following an investigation into the June 2024 incident. She has since posted bond and been released from custody pending her court appearance next month.

Victim Pulled From Wheelchair During Attack

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by local ABC affiliate WTVC, officers responded to a call from the victim, who reported that Gearing broke into his apartment by kicking through a locked door, then began screaming and assaulting him.

The man told police that Gearing pulled him from his wheelchair, leaving him no choice but to crawl down a flight of stairs in an attempt to escape the attack.

“He stated that he had to get out of his wheelchair and work his way down the stairs to get away,” investigators wrote in the affidavit.

Gearing allegedly followed him outside and continued the assault, throwing a phone at his face — leaving a cut below his eye — and ripping off his shirt before punching him repeatedly.

Apartment Ransacked and Property Damaged

When police arrived, they found significant damage inside the man’s apartment, including two smashed televisions and a broken baseball bat lying near the doorway.

The victim refused medical treatment at the scene and declined assistance from a domestic violence advocate, officers said.

A witness corroborated the man’s account, confirming that Gearing was seen attacking him outside the apartment before fleeing the scene.

“This was a severe and targeted attack against a vulnerable victim,” police said. “We’re thankful he survived the incident without more serious injury.”

Charges and Court Date

Gearing was charged with:

  • Domestic assault
  • Vandalism / malicious mischief

She is scheduled to appear in Hamilton County Court on November 12.

If convicted, she could face up to one year in jail for the assault and additional penalties for property damage.

The case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and accessibility barriers faced by disabled victims. For continuing updates on this story and local safety coverage, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.

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