Defense plans deposition in case against Granite City Police Department

Madison County Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth on July 24 set a case management conference in a man’s case against the Granite City Police Department, officer Eric Klumpp and the City of Granite City.

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 a cardiac arrhythmia, stopped breathing, stopped talking and was unable to sit or walk, the suit claims.

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

The City of Granite City and Klumpp deny negligence. They also claim immunity per state statute.

The next case management conference is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Aug. 21 in Ruth's court.

Wood River attorney Jane Unsell, who represents Klumpp, filed a notice that a discovery deposition of Brandi Mormino, custodian of records, would be held Aug. 14.

Unsell is requesting documents related to Walsh’s yearly physical examinations and medical records and any and all documents related to his wages, hours, performance, complaints, commendations, training, and nature of employment.

She is also requesting his attendance records and documents regarding Walsh Sr.’s workers' compensation claims.

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 him 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 is represented by Ronald A. Roth of Granite City.

Attorney Lanny Darr of Alton represents the plaintiff.

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