Firefighter Handcuffed By CHP Officer Files Claim

SAN DIEGO (AP) - A firefighter who was handcuffed by a California Highway Patrol officer during a dispute at a crash scene has filed a claim against the CHP.

The Los Angeles Times reports Tuesday that the claim was filed on behalf of Jacob Gregoire, a 12-year veteran of the Chula Vista Fire Department.

In a letter to the CHP, attorney Dan Gilleon said his client will agree to settle the claim without compensation if the agency agrees to end a "longstanding problem" of its officers delaying or obstructing firefighters or emergency medical technicians at freeway crashes.

The CHP did not immediately comment.

Gregoire was cuffed Feb. 4 after he refused an officer's order to immediately move a fire engine that was blocking traffic on a San Diego County freeway. He wasn't arrested.