Wednesday, February 13, 2008

** Russian ambulance shot up over lost parking space

** Ontario transportation officials retrieve wreckage of downed air ambulance

** Massachusetts medic fugitive considered armed and dangerous RUSSIA NEWS

** Anger over a parking spot led one Russian driver in St. Petersburg to shoot up an ambulance. News 24 (February 12) said bullets struck the unit’s windows February 5 when the rig’s medics refused to move while waiting outside a home for a patient. It remains unclear whether the shooter or his pump action shotgun were detained following the incident. No one was, however, injured.

CANADA NEWS

** Transportation Safety Authority Board investigators in Ontario have now retrieved the wreckage of an air ambulance that crashed last Friday near Temagami. The Sudbury Star (Laura Stradiotto/February 12) said the chopper, which came to rest on its left side following the crash, is being sent to Toronto for further scrutiny. Authority spokesman Rick Pilson said the aircraft was heavily damaged in its plunge. No one was killed in the accident, but pilots Greg Harper and Michael Bain, as well as paramedic Dennis Quenneville continue to recover in hospital. Paramedic Rob Bird was released from care shortly after the incident.

UNITED STATES NEWS

** A Massachusetts EMT, wanted on a nationwide murder warrant, apparently had a history of violence. That is the word from WBZ TV (February 12) which said Andrew Boisvert, sought in connection with the killing of his ex-wife, was often subject to fits of rage. Quoting from a 1998 restraining order application, the news station said Boisvert was alleged at one point to have chased then dragged his wife up a set of stairs by her shirt. Documents related to the couple’s divorce also referenced Margaret Ninos’ concern that she and her unborn child were imperiled by Boisvert. A former American Medical Response medic, Boisvert is considered armed and dangerous. He has been on the run since last Thursday.