A Polk County Fire Rescue paramedic was arrested after police say he put a knee on the chest of a 67-year-old patient and punched him in the forehead.
It happened May 24 at the Bartow Center on East Georgia Street, WTSP reports, when paramedics were trying to transport an uncooperative handicapped patient.
Authorities said Matthew Mullins had his knee on the man’s chest and struck him with a closed fist. Police say they then intervened and ordered Mullins off him. Police say the patient was not hurt by Mullins.
“The action Mullins did to a member of the senior community was completely uncalled for,” said Barlow Police Department Chief of Police Bryan Dorman in a statement. “There is never a reason for first responders to use force on someone who is not deemed a physical threat. It does not matter if you are a police officer, fire personnel or medical personnel. Wrong is wrong and Mr. Mullins will have to face the consequences of his actions through the criminal justice process.”
Mullins was charged with felony battery on a person 65 or older. Police said they were first unable to find Mullins, but Mullins turned himself in Tuesday on a warrant.
