Ambulance heading to Stillwater with patient hit with paintballs

“Such actions not only endanger the lives of patients and medical staff but also impede critical medical services,” a statement from officials read.

The Minnesota Star Tribune
June 4, 2024 at 9:05PM
This Menomonie Fire Department ambulance was hit twice by paintballs during a run to Stillwater late last month. (Menomonie Fire Department )

An ambulance heading from western Wisconsin to Stillwater with a patient was struck from behind by two paintballs in an act that officials say endangered the lives of everyone in the vehicle.

The incident occurred about 6 p.m. May 27 while a Menomonie Fire Department ambulance was taking a patient from a Mayo Clinic in that city to a medical facility in Stillwater, a fire department statement read.

The ambulance’s route included Stout Road to North Broadway and then onto westbound Interstate 94 to Hwy. 95 north into Stillwater, the statement continued.

Fire officials have yet to pinpoint where along the route the ambulance was struck on its rear doors.

“Fortunately, no damage was sustained, and the paint was easily washed off,” the statement continued. “However, this incident is concerning as it shows a purposeful and dangerous act aimed at an ambulance actively engaged in patient transport. ... Such actions not only endanger the lives of patients and medical staff but also impede critical medical services.”

Fire officials are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them at 715-232-2414.

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Paul Walsh

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Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

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