Fairfax Firefighter Charged With Assaulting Patient: Updated

Updated (Sept. 29, 2 p.m.): The story was updated with information identifying the patient involved in the altercation and what charges he faced from the Fairfax County Police Department.

RESTON, VA — A Fairfax County firefighter was charged with assault Monday in connection with an Sept. 14 incident involving the transportation of a patient to local hospital, according to a Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department release.

Around 6 a.m., an altercation broke out with Firefighter Andrew Cruikshank and a patient on a medic unit, according to the release. Fairfax County Police investigated the incident and charged the firefighter with misdemeanor assault.

Fire Chief John Butler has initiated an administrative investigation. Cruikshank, who has been with the department for two years, has been placed on administrative leave in connection with the internal investigation.

“This action goes against the values we hold at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department,” Butler said, in the release. “We respect our role in the community and strive to build and maintain public trust. We remain dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of our community and will continue to ensure that our members are held to the highest standards of the profession.”

While the victim was being transported, he was in the custody of FCPD officers from the Reston District Station.

FCPD arrested the patient, whom they identified as 21-year-old Alexander Earl Fisher. He was charged with abduction, strangulation, and assault on law enforcement, according to Sgt. Scott Shafer, of FCPD's public affairs office. Police also served him with outstanding warrant from another jurisdiction.

The altercation was captured on a body-worn camera and FCPD released the video Monday on YouTube.

Content warning: This video contains graphic images and language that some may find disturbing.