Full Breakdown
Broward Fire Rescue Lieutenant Charged with Battery After Alleged Assault on Elderly Patient
4/25/2026, 11:54:48 PM
Alleged Assault During Emergency Response
On Jan. 31, 2026, Broward Sheriff’s Office Fire Rescue responded to a medical call near Northwest 1st Street and Northwest 31st Avenue in unincorporated central Broward County. The 65-year-old patient, Alan MacPhee, was in a wheelchair and placed on a stretcher. Lieutenant Carlos Lewin, a 43-year-old, 11-year veteran, argued with MacPhee, then ordered two firefighters to move him into a rescue vehicle without interior cameras. While vital signs were taken, Lewin allegedly grabbed the patient’s head, slammed it against the stretcher for about 30 seconds, pressed his fingers into the eyes, and choked him for roughly 10 seconds. MacPhee reported head, neck and eye pain and was taken to Broward General Medical Center. Two firefighters reported the incident, prompting a warrant.
Timeline of Key Developments
Jan. 31, 2026 – Alleged assault.
April 23, 2026 – Special Victims Unit obtains a warrant.
April 24, 2026 – Lewin is arrested at the BSO Public Safety Building, charged with two counts of third-degree felony battery on a person 65 or older, and appears before Broward County Circuit Court. Judge Corey B. Friedman sets bond at $50,000, orders no contact with the victim and bans firearms. Lewin is suspended without pay and posts bond the same evening.
Official Statements & Responses
Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony said the arrest shows the agency’s commitment to accountability and praised the two firefighters who reported the incident, adding that internal due process will be fair and policy-consistent. Judge Corey B. Friedman called the alleged conduct shocking, highlighted firefighters’ duty to protect the public, and cited community-safety concerns in setting a higher bond. Defense attorney David Salomon described Lewin as a family man and veteran, said the alleged actions are out of character, and urged restraint until the legal process concludes.
Criticism & Opposition
The victim called the assault violent manhandling, saying Lewin pushed his eyeballs into his skull, and warned that the rescue vehicle’s lack of interior cameras allowed the alleged abuse to go unrecorded.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He thought I was a homeless drunk,” — Alan MacPhee, patient
- “The allegations here are that he slammed this person’s head, choked them, and then tried to gouge their eyes out,” — Judge Corey B. Friedman
- “The arrest of our fire lieutenant demonstrates our commitment to holding our own accountable for their unlawful actions.” — Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony
- “We should reserve any judgment until the legal process has concluded,” he said.” — David Salomon, defense attorney
What’s Next
Lewin faces two felony battery counts; the criminal case will proceed through Broward County courts. The Broward Sheriff’s Office will also complete its internal disciplinary review, which could result in additional employment sanctions.
