CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Charleston man is suspected of hijacking an ambulance while a medic was still inside, according to Kanawha County sheriff’s deputies.
Scott Marshall, 40, was arrested and charged with second degree robbery.
Deputies said Marshall, a patient who was being transported from CAMC General Hospital to a drug rehab facility in Bluefield, called 911 Tuesday night to report he had been kidnapped in the back of the ambulance. Marshall claimed he was hallucinating while the ambulance was en route on Interstate 64.
Kanawha County Sheriff Mike Rutherford said Marshall “became violent” and attacked a medic in the back of the ambulance.
Marshall allegedly punched the medic in the face and body before the driver of the ambulance stopped the vehicle.
When the driver exited the vehicle to open the back of the ambulance, Marshall then slid into the driver’s seat.
“While he was out of the vehicle, he opened up the back doors and was attempting to assist — the individual they were transporting jumped in the driver’s seat and sped off,” Rutherford said.
The medic was still in the back of the ambulance. At some point, Marshall stopped the vehicle and the medic escaped through the back of the ambulance.
The medics were left on the shoulder of the highway.
“From my understanding, they’re doing fine,” Rutherford said Wednesday afternoon. “Obviously, they’re very shaken by the ordeal.”
According to a news release, Marshall called 911 a second time to report he was being kidnapped.
Police arrested Marshall in Charleston. He is now housed at the South Central Regional Jail.
Marshall was arraigned on the robbery charge Wednesday in Kanawha County Magistrate Court. His bond was set at $100,000 cash.
Deputies said additional charges may be filed.