Published: April 02, 2008 11:22 pm      

CITY OF TONAWANDA: Disabled man found in shocking state at his home

From the outside, the home at 182 Canton St. looks like an average residence in the Delawanda section of the City of Tonawanda. It could use some exterior work and a paint job, but it doesn’t particularly stand out.

What’s behind the front door is far from ordinary.

Nearly one month ago, a 54-year-old man who is disabled fell in a bedroom inside the home. He remained on the floor, urinating and defecating on himself because he was unable to get up, until Wednesday morning, according to police.

One Tonawanda police officer said the man, who was taken by Twin City Ambulance to Erie County Medical Center to be checked out, looked like a prisoner of war seen in documentary footage taken from a concentration camp, his bones nearly protruding his skin because of his frail condition.

Upon entering the house, officers described its condition inside as “deplorable” and reported that it “emitted a strong odor, which at times became unbearable to police and (emergency medical services) personnel.” Garbage, animal waste and empty beer cans were found in parts of the home, the tub was filled with garbage and the sink with stagnant water, police reported.

The man’s girlfriend, Pamela J. Gabrys, 52, was charged with endangering the welfare of an incompetent person after she finally called for first aid Wednesday, police said. When asked why she didn’t call for help sooner, Gabrys allegedly told police that her boyfriend asked her not to. Police said Gabrys appeared confused and distraught when they brought her into the station.

Acting City Court Judge Mark E. Saltarelli ordered Gabrys to the Erie County Holding Center to undergo a psychological examination.

“The exam will determine whether she’s competent (to face charges),” Tonawanda Police Lt. Fredric Foels said.

Gabrys took over the home after her mom died in February, police said. Neighbors were stunned to hear what the home was like inside.

Robert and Ruby Hetzel live across the street from Gabrys and were curious to know why police and paramedics were milling about the house and wearing masks. They never figured it was because the conditions inside were so bad.

“I never thought the house would be in that condition,” Robert Hetzel said. “Oh, gosh. Oh, that’s too bad.”

Foels said that although the inside of the house was “pretty terrible,” it didn’t look too bad from the outside. Plus, he said, “It’s in a section of the city where you wouldn’t think that this would happen.”

But, Foels added, “You never know what goes on behind closed doors.”

Contact reporter David J. Hill at 693-1000, ext. 115.