DETROIT (WXYZ) — A Detroit paramedic who was bitten on the job is now blaming Detroit police, saying their runs are "pawned off on EMS." Now, the Detroit police commander is pushing back.
Daniel Joseph had his face bruised and he was also left with a wound on his hand after the bite. He posted on social media saying he's off duty until being healed, and ended it by saying "this is what happens when police runs continue to be pawned off on EMS."
It all started when a 17-year-old girl became assaulting with her own family inside a house on Washburn and threatened to jump off the roof on the back of the house.
"Our officer engaged with her, was able to successfully talk her off the roof. And because she had made contact with the individual and had garnered the trust of that person, she remained the person to have constant contact with her," Commander De Shaune Sims said.
The teenage girl bit one medic, injured another and spit at one cop before she was restrained. Nevin said more officers should have been on the scene at 2 a.m. to keep the medics safe.
"We need to protect our public safety workers properly," he added.
But, the commander and a captain at the 12th precinct say they have the acts on their side, and body cam video of the first officer on the scene. When the teen became very agitate, the first two officers immediately called for backup.
"I did review the video. Backup, additional resources did respond. From what I could determine it was within a 1 minute or so not long at all. Several units responded," the commander said. "The scene was controlled from beginning to end. We actually take offense to the end of the statement that we pawned off runs on EMS. That’s not fair to us. That’s why we’re sitting in front of you."
They added that police would never leave medics out there on their own.
A spokesman for the mayor said they are done responding to the complaints about first responder staffing, saying they are fine. The teenage girl was arrested and charged with assault and battery and resisting arrest.
