Man accused of assaulting paramedics, troopers responding to overdose call outside Hempfield casino

A man being treated by Mutual Aid Ambulance late Saturday outside Live! Casino Pittsburgh in Hempfield is accused of assaulting responding paramedics and troopers, according to court dockets.

Cameron Vaughn Starr, 28, of Manor, is being held in the county prison on two felony counts of aggravated assault and other charges of criminal mischief, harassment, public drunkenness, resisting arrest, simple assault and illegal possession of a controlled substance, troopers said.

When troopers responded to a report of a man reported to be overdosing at the casino about 11:40 p.m., they said Starr was in the back of the ambulance “being aggressive” and verbally threatening and yelling obscenities at casino security personnel and paramedics. Troopers said they observed “white powder” around his nose and he appeared to be under the influence of a controlled substance.

Police allege that Starr then kicked a trooper in the groin area and damaged some equipment inside the ambulance while he was being treated. Troopers said he had to be strapped in restraints before being taken to Excela Westmoreland hospital in Greensburg.

Once at the hospital, troopers allege that Starr kicked a paramedic in the chin, resulting in him needing to be physically restrained while hospital staff examined him.

While conducting a search of Starr, troopers reported that they confiscated a small plastic bag containing a white powder from his wallet. Police said Starr told them it contained Ketamine, which is sometimes used as an anesthetic and pain reliever.

After being treated at the hospital, Starr was arraigned and ordered held in the county prison after failing to post $100,000 bond pending a preliminary hearing July 22.

He did not have an attorney listed in court documents.