Hospital has ‘regret’ over how confrontation unfolded
The president of OhioHealth Grant Medical Center said hospital officials “deeply regret what happened” when three security officers detained a man Monday night by using pepper-spray, a baton, and forced him to the ground outside a hospital entrance.
“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, “OhioHealth Grant President Michael Lawson said in a statement issued Wednesday.
Shelton Adams, 38, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to a disorderly conduct charge filed by Columbus police on statements from the security officers involved. According to an affidavit, the security officers allege 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. It’s unclear what injuries he may have suffered.
Adams was released Wednesday evening from the Franklin County jail after bond was posted.
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 will likely represent Adams and his family in a civil case, described the officers’ actions in the video as “overzealous.”
“I think they went too far on this,” he said.
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 pepper sprayed him before striking him with a baton. He was taken to the ground by all three.
The three 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, said Mark Hopkins, director of media relations for OhioHealth, 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.
However, Hopkins said they are not authorized to make arrests and call Columbus police to handle them.
In 2016, there were six use-of-force incidents involving security personnel. Of those cases, three took place at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center. One case resulted in discipline, Hopkins said.
The hospital has not identified the security guard and two Protective Services police officers involved in the Adams incident. The Dispatch has learned Ryan Francis was the security guard and one officer was Paul Parker Jr.
Lawson said hospital officials “will be further evaluating how we could have handled this situation differently and learn from experts who can share additional perspectives.”