Five Things You Need to Know: 11/6, Tuesday Edition

Sarasota, FL (WorkersCompensation.com) -

1) Rikers Island Inmate Attacks Guard, then Gets Released on Bail

Rickeem Parker, a Rikers Island inmate who “pummeled” a guard, was released on bail this weekend, writes Tina Moore and Max Jaeger of the New York Post. Parker was originally arrested for alleged assault/harassment. “…Video of the Oct. 5 attack emerged Sunday, sparking calls for action from the Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association,” per the article. “’This video and others like it are another reminder of why the officer-to-inmate ratio in the NYC DOC needs to change,’ said COBA president Elias Husamudeen to the media outlet. Parker can be seen grabbing and hitting the guard in the video.

2) FL Courts: Purchasing Work Comp Coverage Can’t Come After an Incident

The state appeals court in Florida ruled last week that “…You can’t buy workers’ compensation insurance to cover an injury that has already happened,” writes Michael Moline of the Florida Politics blog. Jose Sorto seriously injured his foot in 2016, and “…His employer, subcontractor JAM Construction, called its broker to arrange a claim, not knowing that he hadn’t finalized coverage.” The Normandy Insurance Co. policy was active at 12:01 a.m. on that same morning as the incident, and coverage was given until the details of the timing arose. “…Normandy argued the general contractor’s carrier, Amerisure Insurance Co., should be on the hook,” per the article.

3) NY Clubgoer Gets Arrested after Choking Bouncer

A bouncer at Five1Eight Nightclub may have gotten more than what he bargained for recently. Clubgoer Kierah Lagrave is seen on video choking the bouncer until he passes out, because she allegedly thought he touched her rear end, writes Minyvonne Burke of NBC News. But, “In the video, Lagrave is seen at the bar dancing with her friend when the woman hits Lagrave's butt,” per the article. “…Even though it was a misunderstanding, Lagrave was arrested and charged with strangling, police said.”

4) FL USPS Driver Takes a Few Unexpected Turns in Mail Truck

A Miami-Dade USPS driver was caught on cell phone video taking a turn past highway traffic… and initiating more of an off-road approach, according to NBC Miami. The driver is seen veering off the road, swerving into the trees and taking on high speeds. The location was listed as near Krome Ave. and SW 184. "’This is clearly unacceptable behavior that does not reflect the efforts of the thousands of professional, dedicated carriers in our workforce,’ said Debra J. Fetterly of the USPS South Florida District,” per the article.

5) CA Fire Captain Hit and Killed in Biking Accident Involving Alleged DUI Driver

Costa Mesa Fire Captain Mike Kreza was hit by an alleged DUI driver over the weekend while he was biking, writes Cindy Von Quednow, Jennifer Gould, Chip Yost and Mary Beth McDade of KTLA. Officials said Monday that Kreza has died. The location of the incident was listed as “Alicia Parkway near Via Burgos in Mission Viejo,” per the article. “…Kreza, who was training for an Ironman triathlon, suffered apparent trauma to the head and body and was rushed to a hospital. He remained in critical condition until he died Monday morning. The captain, an 18-year veteran with the fire department, was off duty at the time.” Stephen Taylor Scarpa, the driver, was arrested on $100,000 bail.

Share This Article: