Pa. police tased, arrested accident victim for allegedly spitting blood on EMT

A homeless accident victim who crashed his motorcycle in Northampton County last week was jailed yesterday for allegedly spitting blood on first responders to the scene, according to a report from The Morning Call today.

A patrol officer came across Shaun Michael Cowell, 34, shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday night. He said the blood-covered man smelled strongly of alcohol and was attempting to pick up his motorcycle, according to court documents obtained by the paper.

When the officer told Cowell to wait on the scene for paramedics who were on their way, he allegedly said that he was going to leave on his bike and began cursing. Police said the officer told Cowell he could not leave, which enraged him further and caused him to become aggressive.

The policeman then tased Cowell twice and placed him under arrest. When medics arrived to treat Cowell, police said he again became irate and spit blood into the eyes and face of one of the EMTs and of the police officer.

Cowell was rushed to the airport in an ambulance and airlifted to Lehigh Valley Hospital, where staff members allegedly found a bag of marijuana in his boot.

He was charged yesterday with assault, disorderly conduct, marijuana possession, drunk and careless driving, driving with a suspended license and resisting arrest. Cowell was jailed at Northampton County Prison in lieu of $150,000 bail.