Photo: Provided
CORTLAND, N.Y. — A city father and son are facing assault charges after striking their 73-year-old roommate and binding her hands with tape, according to the Cortland Police Department.
Carl J. Crandall, 73, and Charlton Crandall, 51, of South Avenue, attacked their female roommate at about 5:30 p.m., Feb. 17, after Carl Crandall became angry with her, said police Lt. David Guerrera. All three have lived together for more than three years, but there is no romantic or family connection between the men and the woman, Guerrera said.
Carl Crandall struck the woman “...in the face at least a couple of times,” he said. When she tried to protect herself, the elder Crandall told his son to go get some rope so he could tie her up and keep her from striking back, Guerrera said. Charlton Crandall could not find any rope, but came back with tape, which they used to tape up her hands, he said.
The woman continued to yell and scream after she was bound, prompting Carl Crandall to leave the apartment, Guerrera said. She was released from the tape in less than 10 minutes, he said.
The woman suffered a swollen black eye, as well as cuts, bruises and swelling from the attack, Guerrera said, but did not initially report the assault or seek medical attention. A member of Meals on Wheels convinced her to contact police after spotting her injuries while dropping off food at the residence, he said. The woman did seek treatment after talking with city officers, but was not hospitalized, Guerrera said.
An order of protection was issued against the Crandall’s and they are not allowed to be near the woman or the residence, he added. The pair was arraigned in City Court and released.
