Man Accused Of Beating 72-Year-Old Aunt

BROOKSVILLE - A 72-year-old woman was treated for a fractured knee after her nephew beat her during a drunken rampage, deputies say.

The victim was locked in her room for hours on Tuesday as the suspect, Melvin Johnson, tore through their house and caused $1,000 worth of damage by smashing her possessions and jewelry, a report states.

At one point, the victim asked for something to eat because her diabetes was making her feel ill, but Johnson refused her, a report states.

On Wednesday, Johnson demanded she drive him to the Wal-Mart on Cortez Boulevard. As soon as he went inside, she drove herself to Oak Hill Hospital for treatment, where she later told her story to a deputy.

Johnson, 57, of 12364 Conde Drive, was arrested at his aunt's house on charges of battery on a person over 65 years old, false imprisonment, felony criminal mischief and tampering with a victim.