A Kinsman man has filed a $2.5 million federal lawsuit against an EMT with the Johnston Township Fire Department, alleging excessive force and violation of his constitutional rights.

Jordan Aulizio claims that on July 7, 2023, while standing outside a Dollar Store in Kinsman after being released from the hospital, he was approached by EMTs, including Sean Whitehouse, who responded to a 911 call.

According to the lawsuit, Aulizio was conscious and not under the influence of drugs, but Whitehouse and another EMT threatened to administer Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses. Aulizio objected, but the lawsuit alleges Whitehouse forced him to the ground, immobilized him, and administered Narcan despite his protests.

The lawsuit argues that Whitehouse's actions violated Aulizio's Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable search and seizure, incorporated by the Fourteenth Amendment, and caused him physical and emotional pain and suffering. Aulizio seeks a total of $2.5 million in compensatory and punitive damages.

Attorney David Engler, who is representing Aulizio in this case, filed an earlier, similar civil lawsuit in federal court against Kinsman Fire Chief Corey Van Kanegan regarding the same convenience store incident.

That complaint claims Van Kanegan insisted that Aulizio was high even though the victim repeatedly claimed that he wasn't. Van Kanegan allegedly became "insulting and profane" toward the victim before arresting him, according to the lawsuit.

The earlier complaint also claims that Van Kanegan told Aulizio he was going to give him Narcan. Despite Aulizio’s claim that he protested, the complaint says Van Kanegan threw Aulizio down on the pavement, put a knee on his chest, and gave him Narcan.

Van Kanegan was placed on leave by the Kinsman Township trustees and has since resigned.

Police charged Aulizio for the confrontation at the convenience store.  He was placed on probation after pleading guilty to obstructing official business and resisting arrest.

Whitehouse has not yet filed a response to the lawsuit.