EDITOR'S NOTE: On December 7, 2023, the Mahoning County Grand Jury declined to hand up an indictment in this case.

A nurse has been charged with patient abuse after allegedly fighting with the resident of a Boardman nursing home.

Licensed Practical Nurse La Donna Saulsberry, 48, of Boardman was arraigned on the felony charge before a judge in county court on Thursday.

According to a police report, witnesses say a 54-year-old patient at the South Avenue facility took a swing at Saulsberry during an argument over medication late last month.  Saulsberry alleges that the patient struck her.

Saulsberry then allegedly pushed the patient against a wall, using her forearm to restrain her.

EMTs told police that the patient had slight swelling and red marks on her neck, claiming it was difficult to breathe. The patient was taken to Mercy Hospital in Boardman to be checked out.

The police report says the nurse was placed on leave while the incident is being investigated.

During the court hearing, the bond was set at $5,000 and Saulsberry was ordered to have no contact with the patient.

Another court hearing is scheduled for October 31.