A Granite City man claims his father failed to get necessary medical treatment after suffering a heart attack while in police custody.
Shannon Walsh Jr., on behalf of the estate of Shannon M. Walsh Sr., filed a lawsuit Jan. 16 in Madison County Circuit Court against Granite City Police Department, the city of Granite City and patrolman Eric Klump.
According to the complaint, Walsh Sr. was taken into custody by Granite City Police officer Klump during a traffic stop in January 2012. While in the back of the patrol car Walsh Sr. allegedly suffered cardiac arrhythmia and stopped breathing, stopped talking and was unable to sit or walk.
Walsh Jr. claims instead of giving medical aid to his father, Klump pulled Walsh Sr. from the car and dragged him by his arms into the police station and left him on the floor. Walsh Sr. was allegedly on the floor for about six minutes before paramedics were called to transport the man to Gateway Regional Medical Center.
Because of a lack of oxygen Walsh Sr. was left without neurological function and, according to Walsh Jr., was removed from life support on Christmas Eve 2012.
The city of Granite City, its police department and patrolman Klump are accused of negligence and willful disregard for the safety of others. Walsh Jr. asks for more than $300,000 in damages and court fees. Attorney Lanny Darr of Alton represents him.
Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-70
Granite City blamed for cop's alleged failure to aid detainee suffering heart attack
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