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Tenn. medic fired, charged after allegedly assaulting patient

Police said they witnessed Paramedic Bob Bennett kick and punch the patient

By Laura French

EAST RIDGE, Tenn. — A Tennessee paramedic has been fired and charged with assault after allegedly striking an overdose patient with his foot and fist.

East Ridge police officers said they witnessed Paramedic Bob Bennett of Memorial EMS strike the patient, Samuel McCallister, in the back with his foot and punch him in the chest, according to WRCB-TV. Police also said part of the alleged assault was captured on their body cameras.

Police had responded to a call about an unresponsive patient and McCallister’s wife told them she had administered two doses of Narcan. Paramedics from Memorial arrived after police, and Bennett had asked officers to leave the room while he treated McCallister.

Officers said they overheard Bennett say, “I was nice the first time, I’m not doing this anymore, and I’m about to shove a tube down his throat,” according to WRCB-TV. Investigators believe Bennett had responded to an overdose at the residence previously.

McCallister regained consciousness, was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and was transported to the hospital by police.

Bennett was fired from his position at Memorial and charged with assault on Saturday.

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