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)
