Man Accused of Punching Wheel Chair-Bound Stroke Victim In Face

A Dunedin man faces felony charges for allegedly abusing a wheel chair-bound stroke victim, authorities say.

Pinellas County Sheriffs report that Douglas August Eremieff, 55, of Oak Bend Mobile Home Park off Main Street in Dunedin became violent during an argument with someone for whom he is a caretaker April 15 shortly after 9 p.m.

He is accused of punching the person in the mouth. The location of the incident was undisclosed by authorities.

The victim then attempted to call 911 from an "emergency cell phone." But Eremieff "angrily grabbed the victim's cell phone" and "threw it to the ground, causing it to break," Pinellas County arrest records report. 

The victim is confined to a wheel chair from a previous series of strokes that left the person paralyzed on one side of the body, arrest records indicate.

Eremieff, who works as a roofer, described himself to authorities as the victim's "caretaker." After being read his Miranda rights, he admitted that his services are necessary to bathe, feed and clothe the victim.

The strike caused a laceration to the victim's top lip, Pinellas arrest records indicate.

Records also report that Eremieff showed signs of alcohol impairment at the time of his arrest.

Eremieff was charged April 15 with felony abuse of a disabled adult and felony tampering with a victim. He is being held without bond at Pinellas County Jail. 

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