A Kentucky doctor faces charges for allegedly choking a teenage girl during a social distancing confrontation.
On Tuesday, April 7, the Louisville Metro Police Department announced the arrest of John Rademaker, according to NBC News. He faces four charges, including strangulation, a class C felony, and harassment with physical contact, per WAVE3.
The incident occurred on April 3 at Norton Commons Amphitheater. About nine teenagers reportedly were sitting by a lake when they were approached by an irate Rademaker, who was accompanied by an unidentified female companion, per The Daily Beast.
A cell phone video showed Rademaker cursing at the teens, who defended themselves and asked him to calm down.
“We’re leaving, let’s please not cuss at each other,” one of the youths stated. Suddenly, Rademaker said “this asshole right here” and charged toward the group. He shoved several of them before he grabbed one girl and pinned her to the ground by her neck. He held her for several seconds before a young man intervened.
The girl ended up with a red mark around her neck. Rademaker was released from jail Tuesday.
LMPD condemned his actions and recommended civilians call the police if they witness a social distancing violation.
“Obviously, we do not advise individuals concerned about social distancing to take matters into their own hands and confront people about it, especially in any physical way,” the department said in a statement. “We ask people who are concerned about large gatherings to call 311 or 911 to report their concerns.”
Rademaker, an anesthesiologist, is on administrative leave from his jobs at Baptist Health Louisville, where he reportedly worked as a contract physician, and Southern Indiana Anesthesia Consultants.
His next court date is scheduled for May 8.
