By Tatum Todd
oregonlive.com
PORTLAND, Ore. — A Portland man is accused of trying to hijack an ambulance with a patient inside, court records show.
Jonathan Paul Ryan, 43, was arrested last week and now faces charges of third-degree robbery, attempted first-degree aggravated theft, interfering with an emergency technician, attempted third-degree assault, fourth-degree attempted felony assault and attempted unauthorized use of a vehicle, according to court records.
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A probable cause affidavit filed by prosecutors alleges that on Aug. 18, Ryan walked up to the ambulance and hopped into the driver’s seat, while an emergency medical technician treated a patient in the back of the vehicle.
As Ryan tried to drive the ambulance away, the quick-thinking EMT in the back snatched the keys from the ignition before Ryan could take off, court records allege.
When the EMT reached for the keys, Ryan tried to punch the medic, court records allege. The medic ultimately was able to eject Ryan from the ambulance.
Portland police showed up and arrested Ryan as he walked away from the ambulance, court records state. When officers asked him why he tried to take the ambulance, he told them that “he needed to go to the hospital,” court records allege.
Court records show that Ryan also has a separate open case against him for third-degree theft, as well as a second-degree assault conviction from 2024.
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