This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A Gold Cross ambulance worker is hospitalized in serious condition after trying to assist a passed out motorist who came to and rolled his vehicle with the worker halfway inside of it.
The accident occurred about 3 p.m. Monday near 3120 S. 5600 West in West Valley City, according to Police Sgt. Mike Powell.
Powell said the 21-year-old motorist was passed out behind the wheel in a northbound lane on 5600 West. Several motorists had stopped because they were concerned about the man, and one flagged down a passing Gold Cross ambulance.
One of the ambulance workers went to assist, opening the driver door and leaning inside, Powell said.
"(The motorist) somehow came to very quickly," Powell said. "He immediately accelerated the minivan he was in, with the Gold Cross worker stuck in the vehicle."
Powell said the minivan quickly crashed into oncoming traffic, sending the vehicle rolling with the driver and ambulance worker inside.
The driver fled the scene of the accident on foot, Powell said, but police located and arrested him about two blocks away. He was treated for his injuries from the accident, and was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on suspicion of driving under the influence, and hit and run.
The ambulance worker was transported to a local hospital in serious condition, but Powell said he was doing well Wednesday morning.
Twitter: @jm_miller