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Lancaster County Man Charged with Assaulting EMT Personnel
Intoxicated patient allegedly attacked ambulance crew with syringe
Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:04am
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A 32-year-old Lancaster County man has been charged with aggravated assault after allegedly attacking EMT personnel who were transporting him in an ambulance. Police say Robert Brocato became combative and grabbed a syringe from one of the EMS workers, leading to a physical altercation before officers were able to disarm him.
Why it matters
Assaults on emergency medical personnel are a growing concern, putting the safety of first responders at risk as they provide critical care to the public. This incident highlights the need for better training and protocols to de-escalate volatile situations involving intoxicated or mentally unstable individuals.
The details
According to police, officers were called to the Willow Street area on March 24 after EMS personnel on an ambulance activated an emergency alert, reporting that they were "currently being attacked" by a combative patient. When officers arrived, they found Brocato, who was intoxicated, being restrained in the back of the ambulance as he held a syringe filled with medication. Police were able to disarm Brocato and take him into custody.
- The incident occurred on March 24, 2026 around 6:45 p.m.
The players
Robert Brocato
A 32-year-old Lancaster County resident who was charged with aggravated assault after allegedly attacking EMT personnel while being transported in an ambulance.
West Lampeter Police Department
The local law enforcement agency that responded to the emergency call and took Brocato into custody.
Lancaster EMS
The emergency medical services personnel who were transporting Brocato when he allegedly became combative and assaulted one of the EMTs.
What’s next
Brocato was arraigned and bail was set at $40,000. The EMT who was allegedly assaulted was evaluated for a possible non-serious injury.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the risks that emergency medical personnel face when responding to calls, and the need for improved training and protocols to safely de-escalate volatile situations involving intoxicated or mentally unstable individuals.
