By Jim Stevens
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
WAUKESHA, Wis. — An intoxicated bicyclist is accused of attacking a firefighter in an ambulance and a nurse at a hospital June 18.
John S. Shanks, 51, of Waukesha, was charged in Waukesha County Circuit Court with a felony count of battery to emergency rescue worker and a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.
According to the criminal complaint, Waukesha police and fire personnel were called to Madison and West North streets at about 3:40 p.m. for what was reported to be a bicyclist being hit by a vehicle. Authorities found Shanks lying on the ground and learned that he had fallen down as he tried to walk his bike across the street, the complaint said.
A police officer noted Shanks was “speaking unintelligibly and was singing Christmas carols,” the complaint said.
A preliminary breath test showed Shanks had an alcohol content of 0.32. A level of 0.08 is considered evidence of intoxication in drivers.
Shanks was taken to Waukesha Memorial Hospital in an ambulance and while on the way, Shanks removed the buckle from the gurney, stood up and went toward the exit door, the complaint said. A firefighter grabbed Shanks and pushed him back to the gurney when Shanks allegedly grabbed the firefighter’s face and attempted to get away, the complaint said.
At the hospital Shanks was uncooperative and at one point Shanks struck a nurse in the face, the complaint said.
Shanks is scheduled to appear in court July 1 for a hearing.
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