An emergency run in Tampa turned into a roadside nightmare when deputies say a driver chased down an ambulance, interfered with paramedics and deliberately caused a crash that put a patient and first responders in danger.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on X that deputies arrested 34-year-old Johnny Arman on June 26, 2026, after he allegedly followed an ambulance that was transporting a patient, disrupted paramedics as they tried to provide lifesaving care and then intentionally caused a collision that threatened everyone involved, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office on X. Deputies say Arman now faces multiple counts, including two counts of aggravated battery on a firefighter with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, burglary of an authorized emergency vehicle, criminal mischief of $1,000 or more and two counts of unlawfully impeding or harassing a first responder. Sheriff Chad Chronister called the act deliberate and said it endangered everyone on the roadway.
Previous ambulance incidents
Attacks like this on emergency crews are rare, but Hillsborough County has seen dangerous run-ins involving ambulances before. Last March, a man allegedly stole an ambulance and led troopers on a hazardous, beer-fueled chase, according to reporting by WFTV. The comparison underscores how quickly a routine 911 call can flip into a high-risk situation for crews and bystanders when someone treats an emergency vehicle like a toy.
What the charges could mean
Under Florida law, aggravated battery is generally a second-degree felony. When the target is a firefighter or emergency medical provider, though, the charges can be reclassified to more serious felonies with tougher penalties. Those rules are laid out in Florida Statutes §784.045 and §784.07, which explain how using a deadly weapon or attacking emergency personnel can elevate the offense and expose a defendant to stiffer sentences.
What’s next
Authorities say Arman is in custody while prosecutors review the case and decide on formal charges. The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have information or video of the incident to contact deputies as the investigation continues.
