Suit Says Paramedics Blocked From Aiding Woman in Northern California

A negligence lawsuit says San Jose, Calif. police officers prevented paramedics from helping a dying gunshot victim.

The San Jose Mercury News says 48-year-old Verna Lisa Hollins was shot by neighbor Robert Turner two years ago in an apartment hallway.

The lawsuit says a police dispatcher assured the family that medical attention would be arriving soon.

But the family says police and paramedics gathered across the street because the gunman was still at large. It turned out Turner was waiting for officers in his apartment.

The suit says the decision to keep paramedics from reaching the wounded woman for more than a half-hour reduced her chances of surviving.

At the time, Sgt. Ronnie Lopez said officers had to assess the immediate threat before paramedics could render first aid.