Milwaukee Attack Victim, 99, Waits Hours for Help Even After Dispatchers Heard Struggle
A 99-year-old Milwaukee woman, attacked in her home, waited three hours for help -- even after 9-1-1 dispatchers heard the struggle.
The two call takers in the 9-1-1 center have been placed on leave after their boss admits they dropped the ball on getting the woman the assistance she needed.
During questioning, the dispatchers asked the caller from Life Alert if she actually spoke to the alleged victim. The answering service worker said she was monitoring the device and could hear a struggle, including profanity, KOLD reported.
"It sounds like he is kicking an elderly woman," she told dispatchers.
The person reporting the assault was told by dispatchers, they'd check into it and hung up. During one of two additional calls, the suspect was heard saying: "I’m about to beat the [expletive] out of you."
Three hours later -- after speaking with the victim -- dispatchers notified police.
The victim was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
The delay resulted in public outcry and the suspension of the dispatchers.
City Emergency Communications Department Director Tony Bueno said: "I believe that we in the department could have done better. If it were my loved one, I would have wanted them to react much quicker, with much more urgency, and that didn't happen."
A 22-year-old man was arrested for the attack.
About the Author
Susan Nicol
News Editor
Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.