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Las Cruces Psychiatrist Accused Of Abusing Patient

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) — Police say a Las Cruces psychiatrist injured a former patient during a confrontation.

Daniel J. Brandt has been charged with one count of abuse of a resident, a felony.

Police say Brandt worked with an intellectually disabled man for 13 years until this summer, when the man's guardian requested a new psychiatrist.

On Tuesday, the man and his caretaker visited Brandt's office to drop off paperwork. Brandt then allegedly asked the patient to go inside with him but the man refused.

Brandt grabbed the man's hood and forced him inside. Police say the ex-patient passed out for a short time.

Brandt was arrested Wednesday. It is unclear whether he has a lawyer.