Polk County Paramedic Accused Of Punching Elderly Patient

BARTOW — Police accuse a Polk County paramedic of hitting a 67-year-old man who was uncooperative with emergency services at the Bartow Center on May 24 as he needed medical help, WFLA reported.

The patient had Parkinson's disease making it difficult for him to walk, the outlet said.

According to police, the patient was unable to move when the suspect, Mark Mullins, punched him in the forehead.

Authorities accused Mullins of pressing his knee on the patient's chest as he hit him.

The patient didn't experience injuries from the punch, police said.

EMS took him to the hospital for his original medical concerns, police said.

Mullins faces a charge of felony battery on a person 65 years of age or older.

Mullins turned himself in on Tuesday, according to WTVT.

Polk County Emergency Services restrained the patient on a gurney when Mullins is accused of placing his knee on the patient's chest and punching him in the forehead with a closed fist, police said.

Following the punch, Mullins said "I'm from Combee, we don't play that," the TV outlet reported.

Detectives said the victim was not physically threatening anyone and was being held down by four emergency responders.

Mullins' actions were not in self-defense or necessary, detectives said.

"The action Mullins did to a member of the senior community was completely uncalled for," Bartow Chief of Police Bryan Dorman said. "There is never a reason for first responders to use force on someone who is not deemed a physical threat. It does not matter if you are a police officer, fire personnel or medical personnel. Wrong is wrong and Mr. Mullins will have to face the consequences of his actions through the criminal justice process."