First-degree assault charged in stolen ambulance chase, Schenectady crash

Schenectady police: Man stole ambulance, led police on chase

Police in Schenectady, New York, have charged a man with first-degree assault and other crimes after he allegedly stole an ambulance and led police on a chase that ended in a crash.

The incident began around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 23, when police say the suspect, 32-year-old Jason Jones, stole an ambulance from outside Ellis Hospital.

Police say Jones then led police on a chase through the city, reaching speeds of up to 80 mph. The chase ended when the ambulance crashed into a building at the corner of State Street and Broadway.

Jones was taken into custody at the scene. He was arraigned in City Court on Sunday and ordered held without bail.

In addition to first-degree assault, Jones is facing charges of criminal possession of stolen property, reckless endangerment, and fleeing police. The investigation is ongoing.

First-degree assault is a serious felony that carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

To prove first-degree assault, the prosecution must show that the defendant:

• Intentionally caused serious physical injury to another person
• Caused serious physical injury to another person while committing or attempting to commit another felony, such as robbery or burglary
• Caused serious physical injury to another person by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument

In this case, the prosecution will likely argue that Jones caused serious physical injury to the police officers who were chasing him when he crashed the ambulance.

The defense may argue that Jones did not intend to cause serious injury to the police officers and that the crash was an accident.

The outcome of this case will depend on the evidence presented at trial and the arguments made by the prosecution and defense attorneys.

If Jones is convicted of first-degree assault, he could face a lengthy prison sentence.