Charges dropped against man in incident at hospital
Charges have been dropped against the man detained by OhioHealth Grant Medical Center security officers who used pepper spray, a baton and forced him to the ground Monday night.
OhioHealth asked Columbus police Thursday to drop the charges against Shelton Adams, 38, who pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a disorderly conduct charge.
“Our intent in pressing charges was to obtain a ‘stay away’ order to protect our patients and associates and to defuse the situation,” spokesman Mark Hopkins wrote in a statement. “Once we felt that had been accomplished, we saw no need to pursue it further. When charges are dropped, the ‘stay away’ order goes away as well.”
Adams was released Wednesday night from the Franklin County jail after bond was posted.
Earlier that day, Michael Lawson, president of Grant Medical Center, said in a statement that hospital officials “deeply regret what happened” with Adams.
“While our initial investigation shows that our protective service officers did follow recognized protocols, we believe there was an opportunity for our team to look beyond their official training and exercise more compassion, coupled with good judgment, in engaging with Mr. Adams.”
According to an affidavit, the security officers said that Adams had earlier swung violently at them when told to leave the hospital. The Dispatch confirmed Adams was a visitor at the hospital and has at least one family member who works there.
A woman waiting for family members outside the hospital entrance just after 8:30 p.m. Monday used her cellphone to video the use of pepper spray, a baton and force to detain Adams and posted it on Facebook.
Byron Potts, an attorney who said he likely will represent Adams and his family in a civil case, described the officers’ actions in the video as “overzealous.”
The footage shows Adams taking a half step forward toward the officers. He was shoved back by one. He flicked a cigarette in the direction of the officer who shoved him. That officer then peppersprayed him before striking him with a baton. He was taken to the ground by all three.
The two certified police officers and the security guard involved remain on paid leave while an investigation continues.
OhioHealth employs 145 police officers who hold certifications with the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission as part of the hospital’s private police force. Most carry guns, and about 80 percent of the hospital’s security staff hold state certifications. A state Attorney General’s Office spokeswoman says the certification gives them full arrest powers as police officers, but OhioHealth says they are not authorized to make arrests and call Columbus police to handle them.
In 2016, there were six useof-force incidents involving security personnel. Of those cases, three took place at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center. One case resulted in discipline, according to OhioHealth.
Lawson said in the statement that hospital officials “will be further evaluating how we could have handled this situation differently and learn from experts who can share additional perspectives.”