‘Instead of helping me, he did that’: Patient recounts alleged ambulance attack by BSO firefighter

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BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. — A 65-year-old man authorities say became the victim of an assault at the hands of a Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue lieutenant is sharing his story.

It happened back on Jan. 31 near the intersection of Northwest First Street and 31st Avenue in unincorporated central Broward County.

Local 10’s Hannah Yechivi spoke with Alan MacPhee, who said he clearly remembers the moment he was attacked.

“He took his thumbs and he jammed them in my head, and I went, ‘Agghhhh,’” said MacPhee. “He jammed his thumbs in my eyes, I thought he was going to put my eyes through the orifice. It was that bad.”

The person MacPhee is accusing is BSFR Lt. Carlos Lewin.

“I was like, ‘Aghhh, what are you doing?’” MacPhee said. “What was he thinking, dude? I’m on an ambulance for help and I’m being assaulted by a paramedic to the degree of him taking my eyes and trying to push them through my skull.”

According to deputies, after a verbal argument, Lewin forcefully struck MacPhee’s head against the stretcher for around 30 seconds before pressing his fingers into MacPhee’s eyes and slamming his head against the stretcher again.

Lewin, 43, was later arrested after two of his fellow firefighters reported him after witnessing the incident. He is now facing two counts of battery on a person 65 years or older.

Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony released a statement regarding the incident, which read:

“The arrest of our fire lieutenant demonstrates our commitment to holding our own accountable for their unlawful actions. The public can rest assured that internal due process will be fair, and any resulting discipline will be appropriate and consistent with policy. I applaud the two firefighters who reported this incident. We will continue to hold each other to the highest standards and serve the public with professionalism.”

It’s something MacPhee was glad to hear.

“Hallelujah, the guy needs to be held accountable for his actions,” he said.

Lewin’s attorney said he has no prior allegations and has served as a first responder for more than a decade, adding that they trust the legal process.

“This guy was utterly unprofessional, he did not do his job, he was presumptuous and he violated my rights,” said MacPhee.

Now, MacPhee said he wants financial compensation.

“I mean that’s crazy, how the hell can a paramedic, instead of helping me, do that to me?” he said.

After the incident, Lewin was relieved of duty and placed on administrative leave with pay while the allegations were being investigated.

According to BSO, he is currently suspended without pay.

Anyone who wishes to help MacPhee financially or otherwise may reach out to him directly at 954-708-8581.

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About The Author
Hannah Yechivi

Hannah Yechivi

Hannah Yechivi joined the Local 10 News team in May of 2024.