By Leila Merrill
BOARDMAN, Ohio — A man in Boardman has been accused of assaulting EMS providers who were transporting him to a hospital Friday afternoon, WKBN reported.
Lane Ambulance EMS providers were reporedly reviving Dustin James, 37, from a drug overdose when he took a needle from one of their hands as they were attempting to administer Narcan. He is accused of forcing the paramedic to the floor of the ambulance and trying to stab her with the contaminated syringe, WFMJ reported.
The EMT who was driving the rig pulled over and called for police assistance then got into the back to help, but the struggle continued until police officers arrived.
James was handcuffed to a gurney and his limbs were strapped down so he could be transported to a hospital in Boardman.
The paramedic and the EMT were treated for bruises.
James faces charges of assault, felonious assault, resisting arrest, and obstructing official business. He also faces a charge of intimidation because police say he threatened them during the incident. He was put in jail and spent Christmas there.