Video of Ohio Hospital Security Officers Detaining Visitor Leads to Suspensions

An investigation is underway to determine if the officers used excessive force.

Three hospital security officers were suspended after footage of them detaining a visitor outside a Columbus, Ohio facility was released.

A hospital spokesperson says the officers are on “fact-finding suspension” as officials investigate the incident.

The cell phone footage shows the three OhioHealth Grant Medical Center officers confronting 38-year-old visitor Shelton Adams outside of the facility.

Adams takes a step toward the officers and is shoved backward. An officer then takes out a baton and pepper spray and Adams appears to throw a cigarette at the officers. An officer pepper sprays Adams and strikes him with the baton as he is taken to the ground and detained.

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Adams was later taken into custody by Columbus police and charged with disorderly conduct. According to court documents Adams became combative with the officers after they asked him to leave the building.

“This matter is being addressed at the highest levels and we hope to have it resolved quickly,” OhioHealth spokesperson Mark Hopkins said. “We will share the [investigation] results as soon as we have them.”

Adams sister Robin told NBC4 that her brother has a history of mental illness including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. She says he lives near Grant Medical Center and occasionally eats in its cafeteria.

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