RUSKIN, Fla. (WWSB) – A 35-year-old man was arrested after deputies said he interfered with paramedics, followed an ambulance carrying a patient and intentionally caused a crash.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to a medical call at a home at about 10:50 p.m. Thursday.
While paramedics were treating a patient, deputies said Johnny Arman became hostile toward them. Despite repeated commands to stay back, Arman tried to force his way into the ambulance, according to the sheriff’s office.(Hillsborough County Sheriff)
While paramedics were treating a patient, deputies said Johnny Arman became hostile toward them. Despite repeated commands to stay back, Arman tried to force his way into the ambulance, according to the sheriff’s office.
The ambulance eventually left the home with the patient inside. Deputies said Arman then got into his vehicle and followed the ambulance as it headed toward the hospital.
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The crash happened on Upper Creek Drive near Galen Court. Investigators said Arman used his vehicle to block the ambulance’s path before accelerating toward it.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to a medical call at a home at about 10:50 p.m. Thursday.(Hillsborough County Sheriff)
The ambulance driver tried to avoid a collision, but Arman’s vehicle struck the ambulance, forcing it off the road and into multiple utility boxes and a utility pole, according to the sheriff’s office.
Two Hillsborough County Fire Rescue paramedics and the patient were inside the ambulance at the time. The sheriff’s office did not say whether anyone was injured.
The crash caused more than $100,000 in damage to utility infrastructure. TECO and Spectrum responded to repair the damaged equipment, deputies said.
The crash happened on Upper Creek Drive near Galen Court. Investigators said Arman used his vehicle to block the ambulance’s path before accelerating toward it.(Hillsborough County Sheriff)
“This suspect’s actions went far beyond obstructing first responders. He deliberately targeted an ambulance carrying a patient in need of medical care, putting the lives of paramedics, the patient, and everyone on the roadway in jeopardy,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “Emergency responders should never have to fear being attacked while performing their duties. This reckless and violent behavior will not be tolerated, and anyone who endangers those who dedicate their lives to saving others will be held fully accountable.”
Arman was charged with two counts of aggravated battery on a firefighter with a deadly weapon, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, two counts of unlawfully impeding, threatening or harassing a first responder, criminal mischief of $1,000 or more and burglary of an authorized emergency vehicle.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation is ongoing.
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