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Psych patient jumps out of ambulance on 101

Posted at 8:21 PM, Jan 11, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-12 00:30:10-05

The westbound exit ramp to Interstate 17 on Loop 101 was blocked Monday night after a psychiatric patient jumped out of a moving ambulance and landed on the freeway, according to the Rural Metro Fire Department.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety said the man was found alive in the gore point of the 101, at the I-17 exit, shortly before 8 p.m. His injuries are unknown at this time.

Officials said an ambulance, which was traveling at 75 mph, from Tucson was transporting the patient to a hospital in the Valley when he jumped out and rolled 200 feet. Investigators said an off-duty police officer spotted the man on the roadway.

The patient was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital and is listed in critical condition.

The exit ramp was reopened at 9:30 p.m.