By Vivian Wang
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
MILWAUKEE — Deputies from the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office found themselves in a string of bizarre circumstances Monday that left several officers with bite marks and a stolen ambulance.
According to a news release issued Thursday, deputies responded to a one-vehicle accident on Interstate 43 near Port Washington just before 7 a.m. Monday. A Superior Ambulance from Chicago had rolled over, with the driver, 23-year-old Chicago resident Michael Buckner, as the only occupant.
Shortly after the accident, a passerby stopped to assist Buckner and offered him a ride. But the passerby soon became concerned for his safety and pulled over to call the sheriff’s office. The passerby exited the vehicle while on the phone with dispatchers — and Buckner climbed into the driver’s seat and drove away, according to the news release.
Buckner drove a short distance before he was taken into custody without incident.
An investigation soon revealed that Buckner had been a hospital patient in Chicago. During the course of a medical transport from one facility to another, Buckner had escaped his restraints and stolen the ambulance.
The Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Office arrested him on suspicion of operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent.
But the excitement didn’t stop there. While he was in the Ozaukee County Jail, Buckner appeared to have a medical crisis and was transported to a local hospital. At the hospital, he became violent and attacked the deputies standing guard.
Three officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries, including bite marks and lacerations. Buckner also suffered non-life-threatening injuries and received treatment.
He is currently being held at a secure medical facility on criminal charges issued by the Illinois State Police and will be returned to Illinois soon, police said.
———
©2015 the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel