Deputies in Brevard County say a Saturday ambulance call turned chaotic when a man climbed into the driver’s seat while medics were treating a patient inside and tried to move the rig out of a driveway. In the struggle, authorities say, the suspect struck a paramedic in the leg as he attempted to drive the ambulance away. The vehicle had been stopped on Sykes Creek and was reportedly blocking a driveway when the confrontation unfolded.
According to FOX 35 Orlando, deputies say the man climbed into the ambulance while both paramedics and a patient were still inside. The outlet reports that after the incident, deputies searched the surrounding area, eventually tracking the suspect down and taking him into custody.
What Deputies Say Happened
The Brevard County Sheriff's Office told reporters the ambulance was blocking a driveway on Sykes Creek when the man climbed into the vehicle and tried to move it. During the attempt, authorities say, a paramedic suffered a leg injury. Deputies report that medics were actively treating a patient inside the ambulance at the time. After canvassing the area, investigators say they located the suspect and arrested him without further incident.
Charges And Custody
The man was charged with burglary of an occupied conveyance and grand theft of a motor vehicle, and was being held on $8,000 bond, according to FOX 35 Orlando. No motive was immediately released, and deputies did not say whether anyone else was facing charges.
Why It Matters
Interfering with emergency responders can slow or stop life-saving care and put patients, medics, and bystanders in danger. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Brevard County Sheriff's Office as investigators work to piece together how and why the suspect tried to move the ambulance.
