** Former Massachusetts combat medic charged in road rage incident;says PTSD caused it
** Toronto paramedics tentatively settle contract
UNITED STATES NEWS
** A former Massachusetts combat medic from Dedham has been charged with assault with a
dangerous weapon after brandishing a Glock at a fellow driver during a road rage incident last
Thursday. That is the word from The Boston Globe (Erin Moskowitz/February 19) which said
arraignment proceedings for Ian Beagan, 25, have been set for March 11th. According to the
newspaper, Beagan has also been charged with bringing a gun onto school property. The latter
stems from his attendance at an area community college following the incident on Route 9.
Police say Beagan claims he pointed the weapon after the other driver repeatedly veered into
his lane. The driver, however, told police the gun was directed at him after he stopped at a lane
closure. By way of defence, Beagan’s lawyer told the court Friday that his client is suffering Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from his service in Afghanistan. William Lenahan said he
would immediately check his client into a treatment centre to stabilize him prior to his next
court date. Beagan served in the army for 2 years, ending in 2012.
CANADA NEWS
** Toronto paramedics, as well as a variety of outdoor workers, have apparently reached a
tentative contract agreement. Newstalk 1010 (February 19) said CUPE Local 416 agreed to the
deal just after a 12 a.m. strike lockout deadline Friday. According to the news service, it affects
5,400 workers including EMS responders, snowplow operators, garbage collectors, and park
staff. Details are being kept under wraps until the membership is informed. Union talking heads,
however, have said they will recommend ratification. The union has been without a contract since
2015.
