Florida AG Investigating Wheelchair Dumping

Tampa Florida Dumped Florida Attorney General's office is looking into whether the civil rights of a paralyzed man dumped onto a jailhouse floor were violated.

by WKRG Staff/The Associated Press

Published: Thu, February 14, 2008 - 2:37 pm CST Last Updated: Thu, February 14, 2008 - 3:01 pm CST

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Florida Attorney General's office is looking
into whether the civil rights of a paralyzed man dumped onto a
jailhouse floor were violated.
Surveillance video shows a veteran deputy tipping Brian Sterner
out of his wheelchair onto the floor of the from the Orient Road
Jail after his arrest Jan. 29 on a traffic warrant.
Attorney General Bill McCollum announced a review of the
incident Thursday. If his office finds deputies violated Sterner's
civil rights, it could sue on his behalf for up to $10,000 per
infraction.
"I have viewed the video of Mr. Sterner's treatment and I am appalled by the situation which so clearly unfolded in these images. I have forwarded the evidence to my Office of Civil Rights for our immediate review and I have asked the Director of the Office to take the appropriate action. We have been in communication with the Sheriff and have been assured his full support and cooperation," McCollum said.
Four detention deputies have been suspended because of the
incident.
Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee issued a formal apology to
Sterner Wednesday. The 32-year-old says he would like to see
criminal charges filed.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

WKRG.com » News Stream » National