Rocks thrown from overpass damage CFD ambulance

Rocks thrown from an overpass on Friday caused damage to a Camas Fire Department paramedic unit.

According to Chief Nick Swinhart, at approximately 4 a.m., the ambulance carrying paramedics Andrew Nichols and James Tierney was making a non-emergency transport of a patient to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver.

As the ambulance approached I-205 and Highway 14, unidentified individuals threw rocks from an overpass, causing damage to the light bar and one side.

Neither the crew nor the patient were injured, but the vehicle will require repairs.

“Incidents like this risk the lives of our personnel, our patients and other drivers on the road,” Swinhart said. “We are lucky no one was killed.”

According to the Washington State Patrol, on the same day there were five reports between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. of vehicles being struck by rocks along SR-14, between Southeast Ellsworth Road and Southeast Leiser Road. In addtion to the ambulance, four passenger cars received minor damage.

The incidents are being investigated by the Washington State Patrol.

Anyone with information should contact Trooper Matt Hughes at 449-7950.