Granite City and patrolman deny negligence in detainee's heart attack death

The City of Granite City and its police officer Eric Klumpp deny negligence in the heart attack death of a man taken into their custody in January 2012.

A suit filed in Madison County on Jan. 16 by Shannon Walsh, Jr. claims his father, Shannon Walsh, Sr., was taken into custody by Klumpp during a traffic stop. While in the back of the patrol car his father suffered cardiac arrhythmia, stopped breathing, stopped talking and was unable to sit or walk, the suit claims.

It also claims the defendants failed to get necessary medical treatment for Walsh, Sr.

The City, represented by Ronald A. Roth of Granite City, and Klumpp, represented by Jane Unsell of Granite City, answered the suit on April 18 and 16 respectively. They argue that they are immune from liability per state statute.

The suit claims that instead of giving medical aid to his father, Klumpp 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.

Walsh Jr. asks for more than $300,000 in damages and court fees.

Attorney Lanny Darr of Alton represents him.

Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth presides.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-70