Man files second $4.5M lawsuit in Kinsman Narcan case

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – A man who was arrested during an incident in Kinsman last year has filed a second civil rights lawsuit in connection to first responders administering Narcan on him.

This time, Jordan Aulizio is targeting an EMT worker with the Johnston Township Fire Department. The lawsuit was filed Thursday in U.S. Court for the Northern District of Ohio. The previous lawsuit was against Kinsman Fire Chief Cory VanKanegan.

This most recent lawsuit is also connected to the July 2023 incident where EMTs were called to a dollar store in Kinsman after Aulizio fell asleep standing up inside the store and emergency personnel were called to the scene.

By the time EMTs arrived, Aulizio said he was conscious and standing outside. One of the EMTs that showed up told Aulizio that they intended to use Narcan on him, to which he “loudly protested,” according to the complaint.

“Aulizio was not under the influence of drugs, and certainly was not unresponsive,” the lawsuit read.

Aulizio contends that the EMT named in the lawsuit ignored his protests, forced him to the ground and forcibly administered Narcan, to which Aulizio did not give consent, according to the complaint.

After being administered the overdose reversal drug, Aulizio was placed into a police car.

The lawsuit alleges three violations by the EMT: Constitutional rights violations of excessive force and rights to bodily integrity, assault and battery and intentional infliction of emotional harm, all of which caused Aulizio to sustain sustained physical and psychological pain and suffering, according to the complaint.

Aulizio is asking for $4.5 million plus court costs and attorney fees. The EMT has not yet responded to the lawsuit.

A similar lawsuit filed against VanKanegan was also asking for $4.5 million. That lawsuit is still on the docket in federal court but has not had entry since July 2024 when a notice to take a deposition of Aulizio was filed.

WKBN 27 First News reported in January 2024 that VanKanegan submitted an official letter of resignation to Kinsman Township trustees, however, the township’s website still lists VanKanegan as the fire chief. A call to the fire department was unanswered.

Aulizio was ultimately charged in the July incident, accused of kicking an officer and spitting in a paramedic’s face. He pleaded guilty in November 2023 to an amended indictment on charges of obstructing official business and resisting arrest. As part of the plea, felony assault charges against him were dropped. He was sentenced to three years probation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.