Suit Claims Diabetic Man Beaten

Glenwood, Illinois - A Chicago man is suing the Glenwood Police Department for battery, false arrest and malicious prosecution. Rolan Johnson, of 8538 S. Calumet Ave., claims he was in the beginning stages of a diabetic coma while driving in the 600 block of Holbrook Road in Glenwood about 11:30 p.m. Dec. 14, 2007. He had exited Interstate 294 at Halsted Street to find a convenience store for food because he was becoming disoriented from low blood sugar, according to his lawsuit. "He didn't have the right medication with him so he was looking for food to raise his blood sugar," said Johnson's attorney, Patrick Walsh. "He became confused to where he was and ended up on Holbrook Road" about two miles south of the Tri-State. Johnson, who suffers from Type 2 diabetes, said his blood sugar was so low he was losing consciousness when he bumped a guardrail with his car while trying to pull over on the road. The lawsuit claims Glenwood police Officer Dan Fisher pulled up behind Johnson's vehicle, went to the driver's side window and, believing Johnson was intoxicated, smashed the window with his baton in an attempt to rouse him. The suit said Fisher then pulled him out of his vehicle and choked, punched and kicked Johnson multiple times. A report filed by Fisher claims Johnson disobeyed the siren and emergency lights on his patrol car when Fisher tried to pull him over in the 600 block Holbrook Road. Fisher's report further states Johnson "pulled away violently" from Fisher while trying to be handcuffed, then kicked Fisher several times to avoid arrest. Johnson arrested Fisher for resisting arrest and several traffic violations. An emergency medical services report filed by Bud's Ambulance termed Johnson as being "difficult to arouse" and "not responding to verbal" commands at the scene. His blood sugar count was recorded as 26 on the report.

Normal blood counts are between 80 and 120, said Maria Natividad, a certified diabetes educator with Ingalls Outpatient Diabetes Center in Tinley Park.

"A 26 would be considered a severe hypoglycemic blood sugar count. Their symptoms could mirror someone who is intoxicated or they may just pass out," she said.

The lawsuit is seeking a minimum of $150,000 in damages and fees. The lawsuit claims Johnson suffered permanent eye damage, head injuries and severe emotional distress from Fisher's actions.

Patrick Ruberry, an attorney for Fisher, declined to comment because he had not yet seen the lawsuit. Fisher was unavailable for comment Wednesday.