A Chattanooga woman is facing multiple charges after police say she broke into her wheelchair-bound ex-boyfriend’s apartment and violently assaulted him during a confrontation last year. According to an affidavit obtained by investigators, officers with the Chattanooga Police Department responded to a call from the victim in June 2024.
The man told officers that his former girlfriend, 29-year-old Taneshia Gearing, kicked through his locked front door before storming into the apartment and shouting at him. Fearing for his safety, the man said he was forced to get out of his wheelchair and slide down the stairs to escape as Gearing allegedly ransacked his home.
He told police that Gearing followed him outside, tore off his shirt, and pulled him out of his wheelchair. The victim reported that she then threw a cellphone at him, cutting the skin below his eye, and continued to hit him repeatedly with her fists before fleeing the scene.
Responding officers documented signs of the violent struggle. On the staircase leading to the apartment, they found a baseball bat, and inside the home, they discovered two television sets that had been smashed, as per WTVC.
A witness who saw the incident reportedly confirmed the victim’s account of what happened, according to the affidavit. Despite his injuries, the man refused medical treatment at the scene and declined assistance from a domestic violence advocate, police said.
Following the investigation, a warrant was issued for Gearing’s arrest on charges of burglary, vandalism, and aggravated assault. Authorities have not released additional details about what led up to the altercation or whether Gearing has been taken into custody, reports Law and Crime.
It is also unclear whether she has obtained legal representation. Domestic violence experts say this case highlights the particular vulnerability of individuals with disabilities in abusive relationships. People who rely on mobility aids often face greater risks during violent encounters, especially when physical limitations make it difficult to escape or call for help.
Chattanooga police continue to urge victims of domestic violence to seek assistance through local support networks. The city’s Family Justice Center provides emergency services, advocacy, and safe housing for those in danger.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing as authorities work to determine whether additional charges may be filed. For now, Gearing faces serious accusations of breaking into her ex-boyfriend’s home and launching an assault that left him injured and shaken.