A Virginia firefighter accused of assaulting a patient in an ambulance was acquitted by a judge Monday.
Fairfax County firefighter-paramedic Andrew Cruickshank was charged with misdemeanor assault in the incident at a Sept. 14 call. Body camera video during the response showed the patient becoming agitated after an alcohol swab is tossed on him, and he then spits at the first responders. Cruikshank is then seen striking the patient, who was handcuffed to the stretcher.
In court, Cruikshank's lawyer argued that the firefighter's actions were self-defense, WRC-TV reports. The judge agreed and handed down a not guilty verdict.
On Monday, September 28, Fairfax County Firefighter Andrew Cruikshank was charged with one count of misdemeanor assault...
Posted by Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department on Monday, September 28, 2020
Cruikshank has been on administrative leave since the incident. His lawyer told WRC that the firefighter hopes to return to duty soon.
