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Restraint led to child's death

June 14, 2006

The Hennepin County Medical Examiner's office ruled that a 7-year-old foster child from Ladysmith "died of complications of chest compression asphyxia" while being restrained at a counseling clinic in Rice Lake.

Angellika Arndt was being held down at the Northwest Counseling and Guidance Clinic on May 25 for a behavioral problem when "the deceased had a cardiopulmonary arrest while restrained by another person," according to the medical examiner's report.

Arndt passed out and was taken by ambulance to Lakeview Medical Center and then flown by helicopter to the Children's Hospital & Clinics of Minnesota in Minneapolis, where she died the next day.

"This case remains under investigation by the Rice Lake Police Department and the Barron County district attorney to see if this case meets the criminal definition of homicide," said a press release from the D.A.'s office.

No charges have been filed.

Arndt apparently was put on her stomach as one staff member held her ankles while another held down her shoulders to restrain her. That restraint resulted in compression asphyxia, according to the examiner's office. The girl calmed down, was released and then passed out and became unresponsive, prompting staff to call an ambulance.

Arndt was a ward of Milwaukee County's Child Welfare Bureau and had been living with foster parents Dan and Donna Pavlik in Ladysmith since January of 2005.

The Wis. Dept. of Health and Family Services told the Northwest Counseling and Guidance Clinic it cannot use control holds on clients unless the situation is "so dangerous that police must be called." The order was issued while the state department continues its investigation

Daniels Tucker, president of the guidance clinic, said his office is cooperating with authorities in their investigation.

"We stand behind our staff," said Tucker. "We know them to be competent professionals and outstanding mental health providers."

Tucker said the clinic has asked Rice Lake Police to investigate the role of Angellika's medications as a possible cause of death. "We are concerned about Angellika's medical complications," said Tucker, pointing out that his clinic does not prescribe or administer medications.

Angellika's funeral was held June 1 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Ladysmith.

According to her obituary, "Angie was a girl known for her beautiful smile. She enjoyed camping, walks, listening to her music, imitating her sister Sasha and playing with her friends . . . . She loved food and her dolls. She was a joy to be around and has touched many lives."

 
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