Paramedic Involved in Scuffle Sues OHP Trooper

Staff and Wire Reports

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The paramedic involved in a scuffle with an Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper has filed a lawsuit against the trooper.

Paramedic Maurice White is suing OHP Trooper Daniel Martin over a fight caught on tape. White is asking for compensatory and punitive damages in excess of $20,000 dollars.

A lawsuit filed in federal court states "Martin used unreasonable force in his seizing of Mr. White." The lawsuit cites "as a result of Martin's actions, White suffered pain and suffering and a diminution of his standing in his chosen vocation. The defendants' actions were deliberate, reckless, wanton and cruel which justifies the award of punitive damages."

Read White's Lawsuit against Trooper Martin

White also blasts the Oklahoma Highway Patrol in his lawsuit. It states OHP "has yet to take any adverse action against Martin even though the matter has been pending for nearly two months."

Martin's attorney Gary James could not be reach for comment, but James has said in the past that he is prepared to defend Martin against any lawsuit stemming from that fight.

Trooper Daniel Martin has been on paid leave since June 1 after a video of the May 24 incident surfaced.

White's attorney, Richard O'Carroll, said the OHP and Department of Public Safety are hoping to stall until people stop asking questions.

OHP Capt. Chris West said the investigation has finished and is being reviewed by OHP Col. Van Guillotte and state Public Safety Department Commissioner Kevin Ward.

"This is a fairly normal process," West said. "We've had some cases last as long as two years before. So this isn't unusual at all."

West said the results of the investigation likely will be announced soon.

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