Police lieutenant appeals demotion over nurse’s arrest
A Utah police lieutenant is appealing his demotion over the arrest of a nurse after she refused to allow blood to be drawn from an unconscious patient.
Lt. James Tracy disputes findings that he ordered the arrest of nurse Alex Wubbels. Appeals documents provided Thursday say Tracy suggested Detective Jeff Payne consider handcuffing Wubbels after Payne said the nurse was obstructing justice.
Tracy says neither he nor Payne had been informed of the hospital blood-draw policy. He also maintains the punishment was excessive given his single written reprimand in 22 years.
Video of the July 26 arrest attracted widespread attention online. Chief Mike Brown said Tracy acted impulsively, giving directions that escalated the situation and created chaos.
Payne was fired for his role and is also appealing.
