Wednesday, September 28, 2011

** Florida medic arrested after wrestling with and threatening man walking dogs

** Irish man sentenced for kicking and spitting on female paramedics

UNITED STATES NEWS

** A Florida paramedic remains free on a $10,000 bail after being arrested last Tuesday for aggravated assault and battery in an incident involving a man walking his dogs. The St. Petersburg Times (September 22) said Pasco County Fire Rescue paramedic Joseph M. Lopardo, 46, was taken into custody after wrestling with a dog walker, pointing a gun at him, and threatening to blow his face off. According to the newspaper, the dispute arose after the leashes of the dog walker’s two dogs became entangled in front of Lopardo’s home. Seeing this, Lopardo told them to move on so as not to bother his big dog. When the dog walker said Leopardo’s canine should be leashed, the fracas ensued. Lopardo remains on unpaid leave pending the case’s resolution.

UNITED KINGDOM NEWS

** A Derry, Ireland man will be cooling his heels in jail for 28 days after punching and spitting on two female paramedics. The Belfast Telegraph (September 24) said Gary McLaughlin, 19, pleaded guilty last week in relation to the June 4 incident. According to the newspaper, McLaughlin, who was drunk at the time, let loose on the officers while en route to hospital. Although his lawyer said he had expressed shame and remorse for his actions, the district judge said he had to face the consequences of his actions.