No charges against officer in death of patient forcibly removed from hospital

Family says woman was not treated appropriately

Barbara Dawson (family photo)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A decision not to charge the arresting officer on scene when Panhandle woman Barbara Dawson died late last year after being removed from a hospital is angering attorneys for the deceased woman's family.

It was determined that Dawson died from a blood clot in her lungs. The incident led to a state investigation that saw three hospital employees fired and a fine levied. 

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Late last year, 57-year-old Dawson went to the Calhoun Liberty Hospital in Florida’s panhandle to get help; she died after being forcibly removed from the hospital.

The incident grabbed national headlines. Dawson had been a frequent visitor and refused to leave after being discharged.

Dashcams caught some of the scene. Her oxygen tank was disconnected and she collapsed in the parking lot before dying.

Fourteenth judicial circuit state attorney said last week that arresting Officer John Tadlock acted appropriately and there wouldn’t be charges.

Now, the attorneys for Dawson’s family said that the decision was the wrong one.

"Without question, we have evidence that this lady feared for her life," attorney Daryl Parks said.

Parks said Dawson’s family maintains the woman was not treated appropriately.

"To die with an officer’s hands on you, while you’re asking for help, is still the case," Parks said. "Whether the FDLE cleared him or not, there’s still a situation where the person was asking for help. Law enforcement came, and she was in their custody and care while she was going through this medical emergency."

Parks said there are still plans to sue both the hospital and the Police Department.