RAPID CITY, S.D. — A man was arrested for DUI after colliding with an ambulance that was responding to a call Sunday morning.
BlackHillsFox.com reported that the ambulance was about to make a right-hand turn when it was sideswiped by a pickup driven by 22-year-old Jacob Gray. The driver hit the front passenger side door of the ambulance. One paramedic suffered a minor injury.
Gray was arrested for DUI, improper lane change and no proof of insurance.
Lt. Jim Bussel, with the Rapid City Fire Department, said the impact of the crash was so severe that the ambulance is now out of commission.
“This is a very good illustration that no one in our community, including emergency responders, no one in our community is immune from the dangers of impaired drivers,” Lt. Bussel said. “We want to remind people to drive defensively, be safe, pay attention, be alert, don’t be distracted and above all else, make sure you wear your seat belt.”
Crews are temporarily using a different ambulance.