Massacusetts Dad Accused of Blocking EMTs

A Lunenberg, Mass., father is facing several charges accusing him of refusing to allow firefighters to treat his daughter, who had called 911 for help.

He then drove her to the hospital with police on his tail, officials said.

NewsCenter 5's Steve Lacy reported that William K. Learned, 56, of 338 Electric Ave., appeared before a judge in Fitchburg District Court early Thursday. He ended up there after his daughter, Jessica Daniels, 28, called 911 about 2 p.m. Wednesday.

"We received a 911 call for an ambulance at that address," said Lunenberg Police Chief Daniel Bourgeois said, but they were allegedly denied entry. "It was described that she was in distress from breathing and had complained of severe back pain."

With rescue crews blocking his Ford Explorer in the driveway, police said Learned hopped in with his daughter and drove over his lawn to the hospital, nearly striking an officer, police said. He was arrested after a slow-speed pursuit to the hospital at UMass Memorial -HealthAlliance Leominster Campus. His daughter was admitted for treatment and was listed in stable condition. He was taken into custody.

"In my 27 years, I've never seen anything like this before," Bourgeois said.

Learned is facing charges of assault with a dangerous weapon -- his motor vehicle-- and interfering with firefighters, disorderly conduct, failing to stop for a police officer, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, speeding and a red light violation.

It is unclear why he did not want police or rescue personnel in his home.