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Ohio man gets up to a year for biting paramedic

By Susy Kelly skelly@heraldstandard.Com 2 min read

An Ohio man pleaded guilty in Fayette County Court on Thursday to biting a paramedic, netting him 3 months to a year in jail.

District Attorney Jack R. Heneks Jr. said 28-year-old Michael Harrell, of Jackson, was having a seizure on Sept. 27 when first responders arrived to treat him at a location in South Union Township.

Heneks said Harrell was foaming at the mouth and talking about Satan, and as emergency medical technician Rachel Sargent was attempting to provide care for him, Harrell bit her.

The bite to her left forearm caused her to bleed, Heneks said, and Harrell reportedly continued to try to bite her even after being placed in restraints.

Initially Harrell also faced one count of aggravated assault, but Heneks said at the preliminary hearing the victim was in agreement with the prosecution dropping that charge.

Police said a candy container was found in Harrell’s pocket with suboxone, according to court documents. Police said they also found a pill in Harrell’s gym bag that would curb nausea from opiate addiction and an unlabeled prescription bottle with unidentified liquid inside.

Harrell pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, simple assault and summary harassment.

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