Monday, March 4, 2013

** No charges to be laid against Indiana car driver in ambulance crash that killed 2 EMTs

** Former Florida EMT faces 1 1/2 decade long jail sentence for drugs and weapons charges

UNITED STATES NEWS

** Indianapolis police in Indiana have said no charges will be laid in the February 16th ambulance crash that killed two EMTs. The Associated Press (February 28) quoted Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry as saying the actions of the 21-year-old motorist in running a red light and striking the EMS unit could not be considered criminal recklessness under the law. EMTs Tim McCormick, 24, and Cody Medley, 22, died in the crash. Car driver Jade Hammer’s blood alcohol level was .038;Indiana’s legal limit is .08.

** A former Coral Springs, Florida paramedic/firefighter faces up to 15 years in a federal prison after pleading guilty to attempted drug trafficking and weapons charges early last week. The Sun Sentinel (Paula McMahon/February 25) said Santiago Gonzalez, 49, entered his plea Monday. According to the newspaper, Gonzalez expressed contrition for his crimes, at the same time as denying involvement in a 1990s era beheading of a couple from South Florida. Gonzalez first came under police scrutiny after allegedly bragging about his involvement in armed robberies, kidnappings, and murders. He was nabbed after a sting operation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Explaining away his admitted deeds by calling himself stupid, a drug abuser, and financially desperate, he will be sentenced May 7.