The Grand Rapids City Council opened their July 26, 2021 regular meeting with an invitation for public input.Â
Taking the podium was John Lavalier, resident of Grand Rapids, who wanted to voice his concerns regarding police response to people experiencing epileptic seizures. Because of a brain injury from 1996 when Lavalier was hit by a train, he frequently experiences epileptic seizures. Sometimes these seizures can be while he is shopping or at work. Lavalier claims he has had varied responses from officers who are dispatched to the emergency calls when heâs having seizures.Â
One particular incident Lavalier cited happened at a grocery store in south Grand Rapids. According to Lavalier, who showed the City Council the police report, the responding officer indicated that Lavalier did not want to receive medical attention.Â