Conn. Man Sues Town, Ambulance Service Over Alleged Assault
Aug. 16--MONROE -- A local man, who police said was beaten while a patient in an ambulance by an irate EMT who demanded the patient "get a haircut and join the military," has filed suit against the town and its ambulance service.
In his lawsuit filed in Bridgeport Superior Court Tuesday, Robert Alix claims he suffered serious, painful and permanent physical injuries as well as psychological trauma as a result of the alleged assault by EMT Alejandro Ramirez.
He is seeking money damages in excess of $15,000 from the town, Monroe Emergency Medical Services, the company that manages the EMTS, Emergency Resource Management and Ramirez.
"Our staff is looking over the lawsuit," said First Selectman Steve Vavrek. "It's unfortunate and hopefully justice will be served."
Alix's lawyer, Thomas Ganim, declined comment on the lawsuit.
"My client maintains his innocence in this matter and patently denies these false allegations," said Ramirez's lawyer, Eugene Riccio.
On March 14, Alix, of Heritage Road, was being transported shackled and handcuffed to a stretcher in an ambulance from the Police Department to St. Vincent's Medical Center for an emergency examination. While on route police said Alix claimed Ramirez struck him in the forehead with an IPad and then began choking him.
Ramirez's partner, EMT Michael Suchinski told police he had been in the driver's seat when he heard Ramirez and Alix exchange words in the back. Suchinski said Ramirez appeared to "Stoke Alix up by getting in Alix's face and yelling at him," police said.
Police said Suchinski had turned around and was looking into the back of the ambulance when he saw Ramirez grab Alix by the throat and then hit Alix in the head with the IPad.
Ramirez told police he was advising Alix when he lost his balance and accidentally hit the man in the forehead with his IPad.
Ramirez, 44, was charged with third-degree assault in the incident and is scheduled to be in court on the charge on Aug. 26.
Alix was not charged in the incident.
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