Police cited a Chattanooga home health care nurse Thursday after she admitted to hitting a pediatric patient.

Lorrine Gulley, a nurse for Maxim Healthcare Services, told police she struck a small child who was "inconsolable," according to Chattanooga police spokeswoman Sgt. Jerry Weary.

Police charged Gulley, 50, with simple assault and issued her a citation in lieu of arrest, Weary said. The citation means Gulley must turn herself in to police before a certain date.

The incident took place at the child's home on 3535 Mountain Creek Road, where the child's father heard a squabble and "wanted [Gulley] escorted off the property," Weary said, adding that it wasn't clear where the nurse allegedly struck the 4-year-old boy.

Sam Hixon, pediatric account manager for Maxim Healthcare Services, confirmed "an internal investigation" and said Gulley has been suspended from her duties.

For complete details, see tomorrow's Chattanooga Times Free Press.