Alex Wubbels, a nurse at the University of Utah Hospital’s burn unit, may sue after a terrifying incident in which she was forcibly arrested for refusing to violate hospital protocols (and the law) and draw blood from an unconscious man.
On July 26, an off-duty cop involved in a head-on collision was rushed to the hospital and treated for severe injuries. Salt Lake City Police Detective Jeff Payne then arrived on the scene and demanded to draw a blood sample from the injured man.
When Wubbels refused upon consulting with her supervisor, Payne grew very agitated. “Okay, we’re done. We’re done,” Payne then tries to snatch the phone out of Wobbels” hands, “You’re under arrest. We’re going.”
Wubbels appeared Monday morning on CNN with her attorney Karra Porter, who stated they were considering legal action.
“Since this has happened, I really feel betrayed by the police officers, by my university police department,” Wubbels said.
Her attorney explained that this officer had no legal grounds for making the arrest. “The law that the officer was purportedly relying didn’t apply because the officer admitted that there was no probable cause. Utah’s implied consent law specifically requires implied consent,” Porter said.
She added that they may file a lawsuit if it becomes necessary against the officers, the university, or possibly the city.
“I think we are going to give every one involved an opportunity to do the right thing without having to be dragged into court to do it,” Porter said, hinting that she is hoping that a settlement agreement can be reached.
Colin Kalmbacher contributed to this report.
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