EMS Workers Disarm Driver Who Pulls Gun On Them After Crash

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Two Manatee County EMS first responders were honored Tuesday for their efforts to disarm a disoriented driver who pulled a gun on them as they treated him after a May 31 crash.

When Manatee County EMS responders arrived at a crash in the 2600 block of 53rd Avenue West in Bradenton, the driver was unresponsive behind the wheel of his car, which was in the middle of the road, according to a Facebook post by county Commissioner Misty Servia.

EMT Joe Savasta broke open the car’s back window, put the car in park and took the keys. Meanwhile, paramedic Carlos Santos began to check on the driver, Servia said.

Like what you're reading? Invite a friend to subscribe to free Bradenton newsletters and real-time email alerts.

As they checked his vital signs, the driver grabbed a handgun in the car and pointed it toward the first responders, the commissioner said. Savasta and Santos were able to restrain the man and take the gun from his hand. They gave the gun to a Manatee County sheriff’s deputy who was nearby, and the driver was taken into custody, Servia said.

Check out the police body cam footage from the incident: