The Punta Gorda City Manager Greg Murray is providing new insight about what he calls a medical episode that happened last week.
A newly released body camera video shows Punta Gorda police interacting with City Manager Greg Murray at Shorty's Place on Aug. 2. They were called by a staff member claiming an intoxicated person refused to leave the property.
"At one point, he announced to me he doesn't have to and I can go ahead and call the cops because he's chief of police here. I don't (cursing) believe whatsoever," the caller told 911 dispatch. "He's drunk. He's tripped over himself. Almost fell over. So he's got a service dog. Started a whole issue in the back with a pool room."
Body camera video shows the officer speaking with the staff member who said Murray and another customer had allegedly bet on a game of pool, and Murray was upset the other person wasn't honoring the bet. The employee explained, "We don't allow bets for this exact reason."
The officer approached Murray and told him he needed to go home to which Murray said he'd walk.
At this point, Murray told the officer about an issue with a fence nearby and how the bar wouldn't allow his service dog, Sampson, inside. Multiple times in the video you can see Murray holding onto the officer in what appears to be an effort to keep himself upright. After the officer asked Murray about a dozen times to put his sandals on, he gave a stern warning.
"Let's get you out of this situation," the officer said. "This is not a good situation. People are going to start recording this. We don't want that. Put on your sandals so I can take you home."
Eventually, officers called EMS to evaluate Murray as they did not feel comfortable taking him straight home. A section of the police report reads as follows:
"expressed concerns about Gregory`s level of intoxication or potential medical issues, and he did not feel comfortable providing transportation. Therefore, I called for FIRE/EMS to evaluate Gregory`s condition. Officer Nowak additionally mentioned that Gregory underwent screening by EMS and exhibited difficulty in responding to simple questions, including the current date or the president`s name. Gregory was subsequently transported to ShorePoint Health PG."
Murray said when EMS asked him what year it was, he answered 2017. When they asked for the President's name, he said George Bush.
When asked if he remembers drinking anything Friday, Murray said he isn't sure. He said he knows he did not have a drink between when he picked up his dog at 5pm and when he arrived at Shorty's around 7. He does not remember what happened at the bar. However, he did say there's a chance he had a beer or two in the roughly hour he was there before police were called.
Murray told NBC2 he recently started taking new medication for blood sugar control because he is diabetic. He remembers having a big headache, being dizzy and somewhat confused. He said, at some point, everything went blank and next thing he recognizes is being at the hospital.
The city of Punta Gorda responded to the incident Tuesday with a media release.
We have received and appreciate the heartfelt concerns from many residents regarding the health and well-being of our City Manager, Greg Murray. On Friday, August 2nd, Greg experienced a medical issue while at a local establishment with friends, which required him to be admitted to ShorePoint Hospital in Punta Gorda. We are relieved to share that his condition was promptly addressed, successfully regulating his blood chemistry. By the afternoon of August 3rd, Greg was able to return home, was out working, and has followed up with his physician for additional care. Greg deeply regrets any distress or confusion that may have arisen during this episode. Greg values the trust and support of our community and is committed to continuing to address any concerns in the City with the utmost sincerity and respect.