WPBF-TV reporter Terri Parker says that Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Captain Andrew Giamberini is on paid administrative leave while a July 12 incident involving a handcuffed patient is being investigated. Firefighters and medics were called by Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies after they were flagged down by Daniel Castellanos who self-reported that he was wasted and not capable of driving.
Reporter Parker obtained dash-cam video showing the confrontation between Captain Giamberini and Castellanos. In the video, above, and the story, below, Parker describes what she saw on the dash-cam video.
Captain Giamberini also made news last summer when he grabbed and then stabbed a raccoon while working as a contract instructor at the department’s training facility.
The video shows medics talking to Castellanos, who was lying on the ground behind his car, leaning against the curb.
Capt. Andrew Giamberini approached Castellanos, knelt between his legs and appeared to forcefully shove his knee into Castellanos groin area.
Giamberini stayed in the position for several seconds, leaning over Castellanos, and continuing to have some type of physical contact with him. The video shows him apparently using his knee against Castellanos a second time.
Medics eventually got Castellanos to his feet and Giamberini grabbed Castellanos’ neck from behind and shoved him toward the waiting ambulance.
Giamberini is on paid administrative leave. His personnel file shows consistently good reviews since his 1999 hiring date.
