VA Firefighter Accused of Assaulting Patient in Ambulance

A Virginia firefighter faces assault charges after an altercation with a patient.

The incident happened at around 6 a.m. Sept. 14 as Fairfax County firefighters were taking an individual to the hospital, according to the department. The patient was being treated for self-harm and was in the custody of the Fairfax County Police Department, WUSA-TV reports. 

Body camera video shows the patient and becoming agitated after an alcohol swab is tossed on him. He then spits at the first responders and a firefighter is seen striking the patient, who was handcuffed to the stretcher.

Editor's Note: Graphic video. Viewer discretion advised.

Firefighter Andrew Cruikshank was charged with misdemeanor assault in the incident. He also has been placed on administrative leave from the department pending an internal investigation.

“This action goes against the values we hold at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department,” Chief John Butler said in a statement. “We respect our role in the community and strive to build and maintain public trust. We remain dedicated to the safety and well-being of our community and will continue to ensure that our members are held to the highest standards of the profession.”

But according to the firefighters union, the video footage does not "portray a true picture of what actually happened." Union President Ron Kuley said in a statement that the firefighter had been "assaulted as witnessed by the police officer," according to the Washington Post.

“Politics do not determine justice,” he added.