Trooper Who Choked Medic Suspended

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STROUD, Okla. (AP) An Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper caught on video cussing and fighting with the driver of an ambulance that was carrying a patient was suspended on Wednesday for five days, patrol officials said.

Trooper Daniel Martin also will be required to undergo an anger assessment that "may or may not result in further training or education," patrol spokesman Capt. Chris West said, reading from a prepared statement. West said he couldn't provide more information, citing pending litigation.

A cell phone video of the May 24 scuffle that was widely distributed over the Internet showed Martin grabbing the paramedic, Maurice White Jr., in a choke hold around the neck. White, who has filed a federal lawsuit against Martin, was disappointed by the lax punishment, his attorney said.

“We think it's inappropriate and predictable. Power protects power,” attorney Richard O'Carroll said. “We will extract justice of our own measure.”

Martin's attorney, Gary James, did not immediately return a phone message left after business hours at his Oklahoma City office.

The cell phone video taken by the patient's relative prompted the patrol to release video from Martin's dashboard-mounted camera. It showed Martin pulling over the ambulance, yelling at White and threatening to arrest him.

“I ain't going to put up with that (expletive),” Martin shouted at White, accusing him of failing to quickly get out of his way as he drove up behind the ambulance with his lights and sirens on along State Highway 62 near Paden.

After White suggested that both vehicles take the ambulance's patient to the hospital and then sort out the situation, White and Martin scuffled against the side of the ambulance. They fought again later, and Martin threatened to arrest him.

Several onlookers approached, and one of them told the trooper that his wife was in the emergency vehicle and needed to get to the hospital. White told Martin several times there was someone in the ambulance.

The paramedics were eventually allowed to transport the woman to the hospital.

West said the Oklahoma Highway Patrol's internal investigation determined that Martin had probable cause to stop the ambulance and was justified in arresting White for obstructing a police officer, “but the situation could have, and should have been handled differently.”

The patrol also found that Martin's demeanor and language were unprofessional, his conduct was unbecoming of an officer and he failed to realize “it would have been more reasonable and appropriate to immediately allow the ambulance to continue to the hospital once he understood there was a patient onboard.”

Martin had been on paid administrative leave since June 1. His unpaid suspension ends July 28.

I wish that this was a first time offense in America. On one hand you are going to have people supporting his actions... That right I said supporting this kind of crap. Then they always tell you after its over how scared they were and that is why they killed the individual. Then on the other hand, many people are going to say it was over the top and I agree. I support the police in what
they do, because we do need them. These kind of actions should be grounds for immediate termination... Its against the law for a citizen to assault a officer but if a police assaults a citizen he looses his job... Through all of this that officer should be held accountable for his actions.

Kiefer Sutherland will not be prosecuted for attacking a fashion designer.

Kiefer Sutherland will not be prosecuted for attacking a fashion designer. The "24" star had been charged with third degree assault after allegedly head-butting Proenza Schouler designer Jack McCollough in New York in May, but the case has been dropped.

Manhattan District Attorney (D.A.) spokeswoman Alicia Maxey Greene confirmed: "We declined to prosecute after a full investigation. And that included speaking to the complaining witness who was quite uncooperative… Therefore, the D.A. declined to prosecute."

Kiefer, 42, has also been cleared by the Los Angeles City Attorney's office, which was looking into the case as Kiefer was on a five-year probation - following his conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) in 2007, which saw him sentenced to 48 days in prison - at the time of the altercation.

Spokesman Frank Mateljan said: "Based on the evidence and information received from New York officials, as well as our own independent review of the evidence, we will not be seeking a violation of Sutherland's probation."

It was claimed Kiefer and Jack scuffled after Kiefer accused him of pushing actress Brooke Shields to the ground in nightspot SubMercer.

Kiefer later apologized for the incident, with himself and Jack releasing a joint statement in which they appeared to settle their differences.

Kiefer said: "I am sorry about what happened that night and sincerely regret that Mr. McCollough was injured."

Third degree assault after allegedly head-butting, is their no shame? Lets be realistic what did Jack think would happen to Sutherland, jail time or better yet a pay day. I think that the most that could have came from this claim did, embarrassment for both parties. Seriously am surprised that Sutherland did not come up with a counter claim because McCollough head was hard as hell and almost knocked him out.

Mischa Barton "Making Improvements" After Hospitalization

Mischa Barton is "making improvements." A representative for the former "O.C." star - who was sectioned last week at Los Angeles' Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after being placed under a 5150 hold, a piece of legislation which means she poses a danger to herself or others - has claimed she will return to work as early as next week.

Craig Schneider said: "Mischa is improving and still under care, with the intentions of being able to resume production on 'The Beautiful Life' next week."

Shooting of TV show "The Beautiful Life" - in which Mischa plays a supermodel who struggles to cope with the pressure of the fashion world - has been postponed until July 31 after it was claimed the sets were not ready.

It has also been reported program bosses are considering lining up a double for Mischa is case she is not well enough to film. Schneider did not release any more information about Mischa's medical condition.

Meanwhile, it is believed the 23-year-old actress was suffering from low self-esteem prior to her hospitalization.

A source said: "She hates her legs. She isn't comfortable with her body. It's been a big source of stress and self-hate."

Referring to pictures which appeared to show bumpy skin on the actress' legs, another source said: "She had a big problem with those photos of her cellulite. She didn't like it. That just was something that contributed to her spiraling but she didn't do much to fix it because of her partying."

O my god, this woman looks like a train wreck! If she is coming out of the hospital looking like that, what did she look like before she went in? Looking at this photo one would think that she was playing in a sceen from the movie "Drudge 3". Scary... I personally don't think that anyone should have let this woman out of a cab let alone a hospital ward. I have heard the term hot mess and now I have finally found a photo that would truly represent what one is...

Stephen Baldwin has filed for bankruptcy

Stephen Baldwin has filed for bankruptcy. The youngest Baldwin brother and wife Kennya have filed for Chapter 11 protection amid reports of home payment troubles.

According to Wall Street Journal, the 43-year-old actor filed the petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York.

He and Kennya are apparently behind $1.19 million on two mortgages.

They also owe $749,974 worth of back taxes since 1999 to the IRS, $139,288 for unpaid withholding taxes, and $194,527 in unpaid state income taxes.

In addition, Stephen, who was recently seen in the NBC reality show "I'm a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here," has more than $70,000 in credit card debt.

Last month, a public auction on the couple's foreclosed Upper Grandview home was postponed for 30 days.

Baldwin was granted the postponement and was seeking options on paying back his mortgage, but clearly that isn't the case anymore.

Just another case of a star living beyond his means. This is so sad that Baldwin managed to acquire all that debt from living the life of the rich and famous but has fallen by the way side with his efforts on paying back the debt. So what do you do sir when you realize that the money was no longer coming in, fake it until you make it?

The Health Care Bill

I think that the health care bill is a great ideal. Considering that 1/3 of the American people do not have any.
There are millions of people who can not get a simple check up because they don't have insurance.
The consideration of what can happen if this bill passes and becomes law, would probably help to create more of a burden on out current economy.

Our nation is under great stress with the great debt that was laid at our feet. I don't think bankrupting our nation is the way I want to go; but lets face it no one should have to suffer because he does not have dental or medical care. Its a shame that we have to make it a an act of congress to get health care for the sick. People have lost their life savings because of medical calamities. For the 2 people that say that they don't want nationalize health care there are 20 saying that's just what they are in need of it.

I think that if it works in England that it could work here in the US. Lets put our heads together and draw up a plan and make it work.

Boy, 15, guilty of racial abuse

A 15-year-old boy who subjected a schoolgirl to racist abuse has been found guilty of racially aggravated harassment.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was convicted at Lincoln Magistrates' Court. He will be sentenced next month.

The girl suffered months of racist abuse from the boy including being called racist names, the court heard.

The jury was told the victim had considered committing suicide.

Another 15-year-old accused of the same offence was found not guilty.

Jaswant Narwal, chief crown prosecutor for Lincolnshire, said: "This is a sad case where a young girl who was so distressed that she attempted to end her life as a result of racial bullying in school.

"We would like to thank the victim for her courage in coming forward and strongly encourage other young people in the same situation to report to the police when they have been targets of campaign of racial bullying."

I think that the parents may play a big part in this racial attitude that this young man is exhibiting! Unfortunately hate is a taught emotion. The issue that I have a problem dealing with is the hatred that comes with the dislike! The deeper the hate the more violent the individual can be. Not to long ago in the past, many a people lost their lives to simple hate just like this. First it was simple just name calling then they graduate to the desire to hurt physically!

The next thing is these individuals will start joining gangs and groups that represent hate and they will help them to act on their emotions... Yes jail is something that we could do, but lets face it; Its not going to solve the problem. There has to be a point of communication laced with education, that we all are on the same page. The second that happens is the day the world can leave some of its old baggage behind.

They were just wrestling

The Sun

Woody Harrelson Owen Wison

Oh Sugar!

Owen Wilson and Woody Harrelson were vacationing in Italy and as onlookers witnessed, their bromance is alive and well.

Not the first time these two have been seen horsing around on vacation!

Once the wrestling for fun was over Woody was left nursing a black eye.

All in the game of fun we guess…

Is it me or do these guys act like it does not matter what they do or where they are carrying on at?