A Lyndhurst man was charged with trying to steal an ambulance from outside the Hoboken University Medical Center on Sunday morning, resisting arrest in several instances as police tried to detain and process him, authorities said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Nicholas Soto, 30, of Lyndhurst, was charged with burglary, theft, escape, and resisting arrest, according to Police Det. Lt. Edgardo Cruz.
On Sunday at approximately 7:34 a.m., officers were dispatched to the Hoboken University Medical Center to assist security. The security officer reports that a man who was not being treated or waiting for anyone would not leave the waiting room, police said.
After he was escorted outside, the officers remained in the area for several minutes to make sure he did not return. After a few minutes, they observed the same man pacing back and forth near the ambulance which was parked outside the hospital, officials said.
He was then observed opening the ambulance door and then entering the vehicle. As the officers cautiously approached, Soto locked both doors to the ambulance. He then attempted several times to place the ambulance in gear but was unsuccessful.
The officers, with the assistance from security, were able to gain entry by way of the rear double doors. As they attempted to place Soto under arrest, he continuously resisted by pulling his arms away from the officers preventing them from handcuffing him.
After several minutes, they were able to gain control and safely place him under arrest. He was transported to headquarters for processing. At headquarters while he was being fingerprinted, he pulled away from the officer and attempted to flee by running towards the door of the processing room, police said.
With the assistance of several officers, they were able to regain control of Soto and continue processing. He was later remanded to the Hudson County Rehabilitation Center, authorities said.
