Sheriff's Deputy Deliberately Tips Quadriplegic Man Out Of His Wheelchair To Search Him

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Main Category: Medical Malpractice / Litigation
Also Included In: Public Health;  Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy;  Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 17 Feb 2008 - 10:00 PDT

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A deputy sheriff, Charlette Marshall-Jones, has been charged with felony abuse after a surveillance camera filmed her tipping a quadriplegic* man from his wheelchair at a police station in Hillsborough County, Tampa, Florida, USA.

The quadriplegic man, Mr. Sterner, 44, who is able to drive, had been arrested for a driving offence. Sterner has not been able to walk since 1994 when he had an accident. He has no feeling below the sternum - his legs are completely paralyzed and his arms are partially paralyzed.

Marshall-Jones has been bailed for $3,500.

According to Mr. Sterner, he was asked to stand up by Dep. Marshall-Jones when he got to the booking office. He says she became annoyed when he told her he was paralyzed. The Deputy Sheriff walked behind Sterner's wheelchair and tipped it over. Sterner fell to the ground and because of his paralysis was unable to brace his fall. The video surveillance shows him landing heavily and rolling onto his back.

While splayed on the ground with flailing arms the Deputy goes about searching his pockets. Another officer comes and helps the Deputy roll him over so the back pockets can be searched. Then the two officers try to get him back onto his wheelchair - they call and another two deputies come over to help them.

The Sheriff of Hillsborough County has apologized to the victim.

* (Quadriplegic - A person who is paralyzed in both arms and both legs.)

Watch the Police Station Video (BBC - Starts after 20-second BBC film footage)

Written by - Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today