The state of
Massachusetts has dismissed allegations by a gay man who
said he was physically and verbally abused by paramedics who
delayed his treatment after he was shot and attacked
with a hatchet at a gay bar. In a report issued
Tuesday, the executive office of health and human
services ruled that Robert Perry's complaint about a delay
in treatment was "invalid," saying it could not
substantiate his allegations.
Perry, 53, said
he was "very disappointed" by the ruling, adding, "The
truth didn't come out." Perry was one of three men seriously
injured when 18-year-old Jacob Robida went on a rampage in
February at the Puzzles Lounge in New Bedford. Perry
was shot through the shoulder and struck on the head
with a hatchet, which made a 4 1/2-inch gash and broke
his cheekbone.
Robida killed two
people in Arkansas while fleeing authorities
and then fatally shot himself after a police chase.
Perry, who is a
paramedic himself, said his treatment was delayed, that
he was told to shut up, and that an oxygen mask was smashed
into his face "as punishment." He said he was poorly
treated because he's a gay man who was attacked at a
known gay bar.
The state found
it couldn't determine whether Perry's transport was
delayed "due to conflicting reports, especially with regard
to what time the actual events took place." The state
also said it is "unable to make a determination"
whether he was assaulted. (AP)
