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July 22, 2009

Paramedic sues over scuffle with trooper

MUSKOGEE, Okla. (AP) — A Creek Nation paramedic has filed a civil suit against an Oklahoma state trooper, accusing him of "throttling him by the neck" during a May 24 traffic stop.



Paramedic Maurice White Jr. filed the federal suit Tuesday against trooper Daniel Martin. A roadside scuffle between the pair was caught on video. Martin has said he stopped the ambulance after the driver, Paul Franks, made an obscene gesture when the trooper tried to pass with his lights and sirens on.



White is seeking more than $10,000 in compensatory and punitive damages. Martin remains on paid administrative leave, and an internal investigation is pending.



Martin's attorney, Gary James, says White does not have a valid claim under federal civil law.



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Information from: The Oklahoman, http://www.newsok.com

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