Authorities in Florida say a former paramedic is unemployed, unlicensed and facing criminal charges following an investigation into his behavior during a call late last year.
According to the New York Post, 26-year-old Kendal Evans Billings is accused of responding to the December 9 motorcycle crash as part of Nature Coast Emergency Medical Services and becoming physically violent with the 61-year-old victim.
During the ambulance trip to Ocala Regional Medical Center, reports indicate Terrance Dolan became “very uncooperative” with emergency personnel. Such combativeness is reportedly a possible side effect of head trauma. The suspect reportedly acknowledged that he knew such behavior could be a sign of a medical condition and initially denied hitting the patient.
Billings is accused of responding with physical force, according to a student who was riding with Dolan on the ambulance.
Police reports quote Joseph Annilto as saying he saw Billings “strike Dolan in the face multiple times,” prompting him to notify his supervisor of the paramedic’s alleged behavior.
Zadee Cespedes was driving the ambulance and told investigators that he saw the suspect “make a punching motion” in the direction of the patient, but also noted the “very combative” nature of Dolan aboard the ambulance.
Billings reportedly acknowledged that he “lost his cool” when dealing with Dolan. Though he said his reaction was motivated by self defense, he said he “wasn’t thinking” when he landed the punch that reportedly left Dolan unconscious.
Officers at the hospital arrested Billings upon their arrival on suspicion of aggravated battery. He was released from jail the same day and his EMT certifications were suspended by the state shortly after his arrest.
[Featured image: Kendal Evan Billings, Marion County Jail]
