On March 14, 2025, the New York State Police responded to a report of an assault in the village of Canisteo, Steuben County.
At approximately 10:38 a.m., troopers were dispatched by Steuben County 911 to investigate an incident in which a male victim reported being assaulted by his in-home caregiver earlier in the day.
Troopers made contact with the victim at a residence on East Main Street, where he reported that his caregiver, later identified as Michael Morris, age 52, of Canisteo, NY, struck him in the face with a dog dish following a verbal altercation. The victim sustained minor injuries, including a laceration on his nose, facial swelling, and a black eye. Following the assault, Morris allegedly forced the victim to drive him to a local Dollar General, where he took the victim’s car keys to prevent him from leaving. Fearing further harm, the victim left on foot and sought help from a residence, where he called 911.
Troopers attempted to locate Morris at the Dollar General but found he had already left the area.
After further investigation, troopers contacted Morris via phone, and he agreed to meet at the Dollar General but did not arrive. Authorities later located him at his residence on Fall Creek Road. Morris was taken into custody without incident and transported to SP North Hornell for processing.
Morris was charged with Assault 2nd: Injure Victim 65 Or Older- Def At Least 10 Yrs Younger (D Felony), Criminal Possession Weapon-4th: Intent To Use (A Misdemeanor), and Unauthorized Use Vehicle: Without Owner Consent (A Misdemeanor). Morris was subsequently transported to Steuben County Jail for CAP arraignment.
