Paramedics and Cop Charged in Death of Man at Detroit-area Jail

DETROIT (AP) — A police officer and two paramedics failed to help a man who was convulsing for more than an hour and eventually died from cocaine toxicity at a Detroit-area jail, a prosecutor said Monday as she filed involuntary manslaughter charges against the trio. William Marshall was in custody for drug possession when he died in the Westland police lock-up in December. Wayne County prosecutor Kym Worthy said a state police investigation showed an "inexcusable and criminal disregard for human life from those who have a duty to serve him, protect him and render aid." She said video of the incident was a "critical part of the evidence." Involuntary manslaughter charges were filed against police Sgt. Ronald Buckley and paramedics Matt Dicosola and Leah Maynard. The three didn't immediately appear in court Monday, and it was unclear whether they had lawyers who could respond to the allegations. The paramedics told Buckley they could take Marshall to a hospital but the sergeant waved them off, Worthy said. Nonetheless, she added, that doesn't clear them of wrongdoing. "The paramedics still have a duty to render aid and assistance," the prosecutor said. "They abandoned him, according to the facts of our investigation. ... They are criminally responsible." Westland Police Chief Jeff Jedrusik said Buckley has been suspended from the department, and Dicosola and Maynard no longer work for Westland. "I again want to offer my sincere ap...
Source: JEMS Administration and Leadership - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: News Administration and Leadership Source Type: news