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OHP releases dashcam video, attorneys reacts to incident

Reported by: Krista Flasch
Email: flasch@kjrh.com
Last Update: 6/15/2009 6:09 pm

We now know more about the May 24th scuffle between a state trooper and a paramedic.

In a news conference Monday afternoon, Trooper Daniel Martin's attorney, Gary James, says Martin was running hot to a call and was behind a Creek Nation EMS ambulance.

James said it took 24 seconds for the driver to pull over.

Once the trooper drove past the ambulance after the driver pulled over, Martin claims he was flipped off.

Soon after Martin pulled the ambulance over. 

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol has released the dashboard camera video showing what happened before a state trooper and paramedic got into a scuffle.

The video shows Trooper Daniel Martin pulling over the ambulance and then cussing at its driver. After paramedic Maurice White Jr. suggests that both vehicles should take the ambulance patient to the hospital and then sort out the situation, White and Martin scuffle against the side of the ambulance.

Another altercation breaks out on the opposite side of the ambulance minutes later.  The entire incident lasts about five minutes.

James said Martin grabbed White's neck after White assaulted him.  He continued to say Martin didn't arrest White because he was the only paramedic on duty for Okfuskee County that day.

James said Martin elected to be take administrative leave because he's received threats since the incident happened.

The OHP completed an internal investigation.  No decision has been made as to any administrative action against Martin.

Capt. Chris West says the Highway Patrol decided to release the video because it had "drawn enormous attention" and a department investigation wouldn't be affected.  The OHP attorney said he also said some incorrect information about the incident was circulationing and he wanted to clear the air.

This afternoon Richard O'Carroll, White's attorney, responded to James' comments.  O'Carroll said he wants the trooper be fired and says Martin acted "unlawfully."

He also said Martin was the reason the patient sat in the ambulance for five minutes while the argument ensued.

O'Carroll isn't sure if he'll file suit yet.  He says it depends on the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety handles the situation.






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