EMS worker testifies shoe bomb suspect Reid had slurred speech

BOSTON -- An emergency medical technician testified Tuesday that Richard Reid had slurred speech and appeared sluggish as he was questioned by the FBI for allegedly trying to blow up a jetliner with explosives hidden in his shoes.

The testimony came during a hearing on Reid's request to suppress statements made after his arrest. Reid's lawyers claim he was still feeling the effects of Valium and sedatives that passengers forcibly injected into him while trying to restrain him.

Steven Solletti, an emergency medical technician, said that when he arrived at Logan International Airport, Reid's blood pressure was elevated and he appeared sleepy.

"His words, they appeared to be slurred, sluggish, kind of like he was intoxicated," Solletti said.

But two prosecution witnesses testified Reid did not appear to be affected by sedatives during questioning, about eight hours after he was injected.

Reid, 28, a British citizen who authorities allege was trained in Afghanistan by the al-Qaida terrorist group, is accused of trying to blow up American Airlines Flight 63 during its trip from Paris to Miami on Dec. 22. He has pleaded innocent to eight charges, including attempted murder of the 197 passengers and crew members.

Reid was overpowered by passengers and crew after he allegedly tried to light a fuse protruding from his shoe.

Authorities said his shoes contained plastic explosives.

On Tuesday, Daniel Choldin, a special agent of the State Department, testified for the prosecutors that Reid "spoke clearly and confidently."

"He seemed sure of himself and somewhat in control," Choldin said.

FBI Agent Bradley Davis said that after another FBI agent read Reid his Miranda rights, he acknowledged understanding.

Davis said he told Reid that he could stop the interview or choose not to answer questions.

He said Reid answered some questions completely, while declining others.

"Typically, he would say, 'No comment' or 'Allah knows best' ... if he didn't give us a response to our question," Davis said.

Hearings on the suppression request were scheduled to continue Thursday.

Reid's trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 4.