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Video: Patient escapes ambulance, jumps into Mass. lake, causing standoff with police

First responders negotiated with the man in Lake Quinsigamond before taking him into custody

WORCESTER, Mass. — A patient being transported by ambulance in Worcester escaped from the vehicle and jumped into Lake Quinsigamond, triggering an unusual standoff with first responders as authorities worked to bring the person safely back to shore.

WCVB reported it happened as the patient was being transported to UMass Memorial Hospital for mental health treatment. The hospital is just east of the lake.

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Video showed the man swimming and later standing in waist-deep water as first responders negotiated with him from the shoreline.

Authorities eventually took the patient into custody without further incident.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.