James Zuppert, 58, of Nazareth, was being taken by Hamburg EMS from Upper Bern Township to Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital for chest pain and shortness of breath around 12:33 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, Pennsylvania State Police said.

While the ambulance was on Mountain Road in Tilden Township, Zuppert became uncooperative and combative, police said.

When one EMT tried to restrain him in the back of the ambulance, Zuppert pushed her and twisted her arm, leaving her with a sprained wrist, troopers said.

The second EMT, who had been driving, stopped to help. Police said Zuppert pushed him out of the ambulance, straining his back. As he fell, the EMT was grazed by an exposed needle that had been intended to sedate Zuppert, according to state police.

Troopers took Zuppert into custody at the scene. He was charged with aggravated assault and committed to Berks County Prison, police said.

Both EMTs were treated at St. Luke’s Hospital and released.


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