A routine medical transportation took an unexpected turn on Tuesday, August 8th, 2023, as a patient attempted to escape from a moving ambulance, leading to an altercation with a medic. The incident occurred around 5:13 pm when a Hopkins County EMS ambulance was en route to Christus Mother Francis Hospital from Emory.
According to reports from the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, the patient, identified as Jeanette Cooper-Smith, attempted to exit the moving ambulance by opening the door. Displaying quick reflexes and dedication to his duty, the medic present on board bravely stepped in front of Cooper-Smith to prevent her from jumping out. The ambulance was then brought to a halt in front of a residence along Highway 19 S.
Law enforcement officers were promptly dispatched to the scene, where the situation escalated further. Cooper-Smith, undeterred by her initial failed attempt, once again tried to escape from the ambulance. The vigilant medic once again intervened, preventing her from exiting the vehicle. However, the situation took a violent turn as Cooper-Smith reportedly grabbed the medic by the throat and struck him in the face.
The medic sustained visible injuries to his neck and face as a result of the altercation. The responding deputies entered the ambulance and managed to secure Cooper-Smith in handcuffs. She was subsequently transported to the Hopkins County jail.
Jeanette Cooper-Smith now faces charges of Assault on a Public Servant, classified as a Felony of the Third Degree (F3).
