ALBANY, NY (WRGB) — Albany police assisted Bethlehem police and emergency medical personnel after a mentally unwell patient being transported to Albany Medical Center Hospital brandished a knife inside an ambulance on New Scotland Avenue near Holland Avenue, according to the Albany Police Department.
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Bethlehem Police responded to the Quality Inn & Suites in Glenmont to check on a guest who had remained in his room past checkout time. Officers observed that the man, Kyle A Seymour, 36, appeared to he having a medical issue that required immediate attention. Delmar-Bethlehem medical personnel were requested to the scene to provide Mr. Seymour with medical care. He was transported to Albany Medical Center for further care.
According to the Bethlehem PD, while en route , Seymour became agitated and began acting in a threatening manner toward the EMS personnel, wielding a knife he had concealed on his person. The ambulance stopped New Scotland Avenue near Holland Avenue, with the EMS personnel leving the ambulance for their own safety. Albany officers responded for a call of assistance from Bethlehem police around 1:10 p.m. When they arrived, officers observed the patient inside the ambulance and charging toward them while armed with a knife. Officers immediately closed the rear ambulance door in an effort to safely contain the patient.
Seymour then appeared at the side door of the ambulance, still armed with the knife. Officers deployed a taser, but the deployment was not successful. Officers continued to monitor Seymour while giving several lawful commands to drop the knife. He then retreated to the back of the ambulance and began stabbing himself, police said. Officers deployed another taser, which resulted in him dropping the knife. Officers immediately rendered medical aid and he was taken into custody. He was transported to Albany Medical Center Hospital where he was treated for self-inflicted wounds to his chest and abdomen area. He is listed in critical, but stable condition.
Seymour has been charged with two counts of Menacing a Police Officer and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th.
The Albany Police Department commends all officers on scene for their restraint during a chaotic scene and for their use of de-escalation training throughout the entire incident.