Paramedic attacked by Cobb doctor over care dispute

A pediatrician in Cobb County has been arrested after he reportedly attacked a paramedic during an argument about care for a child. 

According to the office’s website, Dr. Melvin Gerald Perry is the proprietor of Total Care Pediatrics, a private practice off East-West Connector in south Cobb. 

His arrest warrant says the 53-year-old Perry called 911 last Thursday in order to have an infant in his office’s care be hospitalized. As the infant was being assessed and prepared for transportation, Perry got into a dispute with a responding paramedic “about the type of treatment and capabilities of the other EMTs.” 

Per his arrest warrant, Perry allegedly lunged at the paramedic, tackled her to the ground, and struck her with “closed fist punches,” causing a cut to her left ear canal. 

In addition, the Mableton doctor is accused of swinging a metal oxygen tank, striking the wall of his medical office. Cobb County firefighters and other EMTs intervened to stop the altercation before police arrived. The arrest warrant said the altercation hindered the ability of the victim and other EMTs from removing the infant and providing proper treatment.

In addition to misdemeanor battery charges, Perry has been charged with willful interference with an emergency medical professional by use of threats or violence, which is a felony. According to jail records, Perry was booked into the Cobb County jail and has since been released on a $5,000 bond. 

The incident occurred shortly before 7 p.m. Thursday at the Total Care office, per the warrant.