A woman who was waiting for family members outside of the hospital entrance just after 8:30 p.m. used her cellphone to record a video of three security officers using pepper spray and a baton to force Shelton Adams, 38, to the ground outside the hospital. She posted the video to Facebook.
The video shows Mr. Adams taking a half step toward the officers and one of the officers shoving him back. Mr. Adams flicked a cigarette in the direction of the officer who pushed him. That officer pepper sprayed him and then struck him with his baton. All three guards then took Mr. Adams to the ground, according to the report.
The security officers allege that Mr. Adams swung aggressively at them when he was told to leave the hospital, an affidavit states.
“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,” Mr. Lawson said in a statement issued Wednesday, according to the report. The three security officers will remain on paid leave while the investigation is ongoing.
The Dispatch confirmed that Mr. Adams was a visitor at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center and at least one of his family members works there. It is not known whether he sustained any injuries, according to the report.
Mr. Adams pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to a disorderly conduct charge filed against him by the Columbus police. He was released from the Franklin County jail Wednesday evening after bond was posted.
Hospital officials “will be further evaluating how we could have handled this situation differently and learn from experts who can share additional perspectives,” said Mr. Lawson, according to the report.
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