By Kaitlin Keane
The Patriot Ledger
MARSHFIELD, Mass. — Two fire department paramedics say they were punched and assaulted by a man they were treating in an ambulance en route to Jordan Hospital in Plymouth.
Police took William Hale, 50, of Marshfield into custody after he allegedly punched the two paramedics and tried to steal the ambulance Wednesday morning.
Police said charges against Hale, including assault and battery and carjacking, are still pending.
Hale was brought to Plymouth District Court for a surrender hearing because he had been released on bail yesterday for prior, unrelated charges of breaking and entering.
Fire department paramedics were called to Hale’s Marshfield home Wednesday morning to treat him for injuries suffered in a fall, Fire Chief Ken Robinson said.
As the ambulance headed toward Jordan Hospital, Hale became agitated, pulled off his oxygen mask and punched the paramedic who was treating him in the face, Robinson said.
“He was cooperative and talking at the scene, but about 10 minutes into the ride he suddenly turned violent,” the chief said. “They have no idea why he went from a very calm patient to a violent, irrational person.”
Hale continued to assault the paramedic, who defended himself and then got out of the ambulance after the driver pulled over along Route 3 south, Robinson said.
Hale followed him out of the ambulance and assaulted the driver before attempting to steal the ambulance, Robinson said. When he was unable to get into the vehicle, he ran out into the highway.
One of the paramedics followed him, stopping traffic in the southbound lanes and then the northbound lanes, which were heavy with morning commuting traffic, Robinson said.
“They were concerned for his safety,” the chief said. “They stayed with him until police arrived.”
Duxbury, Marshfield and State Police arrived at the scene and detained Hale, who was eventually treated at South Shore Hospital.
Any charges against Hale will be brought by State Police.
Both paramedics were injured. One was treated and released and the other was held for tests, Robinson said Wednesday afternoon.
Marshfield police said Hale was known to them because of previous breaking-and-entering incidents.
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