GARDNER, Mass. — Authorities are investigating after a man allegedly attacked hospital staff members and stole an ambulance in Gardner Wednesday night.
Harrison Barjolo, 21, of Spencer, is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, failure to stop for police, operating to endanger, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, leaving the scene of a personal injury accident, assault and battery on an elder, assault and battery on ambulance personnel, and simple assault and battery, as well as other motor vehicle charges.
At 5:42 p.m., Ashburnham EMS was at Heywood Hospital Emergency Room completing a patient transfer, according to Ashburnham Interim Fire Chief Chris Conrad. While completing the transfer, Barjolo reportedly gained access to the emergency room and began attacking hospital staff and a civilian.
Officials say Ashburnham EMS intervened and removed the assailant from the victims. At this point, Barjolo allegedly assaulted EMS personnel and entered an ambulance, stealing it.
Police pursued him in the stolen ambulance through Gardner and Hubbardston. Barjolo drove the ambulance erratically and struck several other vehicles during the chase, according to officials. There were no reports of any serious injuries in those crashes and officers did break off their pursuit of the ambulance to assist the crash victims.
Witnesses tell Boston 25 News they saw the ambulance driving at a high rate of speed down Timpany Boulevard in Gardner towards Walmart with several cruisers in pursuit.
Video shows police pursuing the alleged stolen vehicle.
Barjolo eventually reversed directions and drove back to the hospital, striking a pole in the front of the building. He was taken into custody without further incident.
A spokesperson for the hospital said, “At 5:37 p.m., an incident occurred in Heywood Hospital Emergency Department involving the unauthorized use of an emergency vehicle.”
The ambulance sustained serious damage during the theft and pursuit.
An investigation by the Gardner Police Department remains ongoing. Gardner, Ashburnham, Hubbardston, Rutland, and State Police units assisted with the apprehension of the suspect
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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