Ambulance Failed to Treat Injuries After Everett PD Used Excessive Force in Arrest, Lawsuit Alleges

Everett, Mass – An Everett woman is suing the Everett Police Department and the Cataldo Ambulance Service, alleging that excessive force was used during her arrest in March last year, and that she did not receive adequate medical attention. 

Jeraldine Fountain filed the lawsuit in federal court in Boston earlier this month against Everett Police Officer Michael Sabella, and the ambulance service based in Somerville.

According to the court complaint, the police were called to Josie’s Bar in Everett on the evening of March 14, following “allegations of trespassing” committed by Fountain.

Shortly afterward, Officer Sabella, who had responded to the scene, attempted to arrest Fountain and take her into custody.

It’s alleged that “[d]uring this arrest process, the [p]laintiff sustained a blunt force injury to her head, lost consciousness and then had what appeared to be seizure-like symptoms.”

Following this, the complaint claims that Cataldo was called by an unidentified individual in regard to Fountain’s medical condition; a second call to the ambulance service a few moments later claimed that she was having an asthma attack.

The complaint alleges that “Cataldo arrived at the scene at some time thereafter, and then left the scene without examining the [p]laintiff or rendering any medical aid.”

It’s claimed that Fountain was “kept in a holding cell for the duration of the night, and then … released from custody at approximately” noon the following day, “after being charged with various offenses.”

After her release from custody, the complaint alleges that Fountain “felt dizzy and sick” when she was picked up by her aunt, and was subsequently taken to the emergency room by her brother.

The complaint alleges that an “examination and MRI by physicians at Whidden Hospital revealed that the [p]laintiff had sub-cranial bleeding caused by blunt head trauma and it was recommended that she be transported to Massachusetts General Hospital for specialized care for her head injury.”

The lawsuit alleges two counts against Cataldo for failing to provide Fountain with medical treatment, and for inflicting emotional distress on her as a result of not providing that medical treatment.

It also alleges two counts against Officer Sabella for using excessive force during Fountain’s, and for failing to provide her with medical treatment.

The complaint reserves the right to include additional defendants, should the need arise at a later date  

Open Media Boston contacted both the Everett City Solicitor’s office, and the Cataldo Ambulance Service for a press statement in response to the allegations, but did not receive a response.

Fountain’s attorney was contacted to elaborate on the allegations contained in the complaint, but could not be reached before the filing of this report.

The case will be heard in Boston by US District Judge Douglas P. Woodlock.