The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man after he interfered with emergency medical personnel, pursued an ambulance transporting a patient, and intentionally caused a crash that put first responders and the patient inside in danger.
On June 25, 2026, at 10:50 p.m., Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to a medical call at a home in Ruskin. While paramedics were providing emergency medical care to a female patient, a male also at the residence, Johnny Arman, 35, became hostile toward them.
Despite repeated commands to stay back, Arman repeatedly attempted to force his way into the ambulance, interfering with paramedics.
After the ambulance left the home with the patient, Arman got into his vehicle and began following it toward the hospital.
While traveling on Upper Creek Drive near Galen Court, Arman used his vehicle to block the ambulance's path before accelerating directly toward it. The ambulance driver attempted to avoid a collision, but Arman's vehicle struck the ambulance, forcing it off the roadway and into multiple utility boxes and a utility pole.
At the time of the crash, two Hillsborough County Fire Rescue paramedics and the patient were inside the ambulance.
The collision caused more than $100,000 in damage to utility infrastructure and required responses from TECO and Spectrum to repair the damaged equipment.
"This suspect's actions went far beyond obstructing first responders. He deliberately targeted an ambulance carrying a patient in need of medical care, putting the lives of paramedics, the patient, and everyone on the roadway in jeopardy," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Emergency responders should never have to fear being attacked while performing their duties. This reckless and violent behavior will not be tolerated, and anyone who endangers those who dedicate their lives to saving others will be held fully accountable."
Arman was arrested and charged with:
- Aggravated Battery on a Firefighter Deadly Weapon (x2)
- Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon
- Unlawfully Impede, Threaten, or Harass First Responder (x2)
- Criminal Mischief ($1,000 or More)
- Burglary of an Authorized Emergency Vehicle
This is an ongoing investigation and any updates will be provided by the Public Affairs Office.
