Man Sentenced to 21 Years for Shooting at Chicago Fire Department Ambulance
A 41-year-old man, Ricardo Vazquez, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for opening fire on a Chicago Fire Department ambulance while paramedics were treating a 79-year-old patient inside. Vazquez pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm toward a vehicle occupied by first aid personnel. The sentencing was handed down by Judge Ursula Walowski.
The incident took place on July 19, 2023, at around 9:30 p.m. in the 2600 block of North Hamlin Avenue. Vazquez, who was on parole for a previous shooting conviction, became enraged when he encountered a CFD ambulance blocking the road near Hamlin and Wrightwood avenues.
According to police reports, Vazquez, driving a white Acura, began honking his horn and yelling at the first responders. He then got out of the vehicle, approached the ambulance, and started banging on the doors while paramedics were treating a patient inside. He fired several rounds into the back doors of the ambulance before fleeing the scene. A loaded handgun and spent shell casings were recovered from his car when he was apprehended by officers.
Upon arriving at St. Mary’s Hospital, the paramedics discovered at least three bullet holes in the ambulance’s rear doors. Thankfully, no one was injured by the gunfire.
A witness at the scene reported that Vazquez was visibly angry that the ambulance was blocking his way and began honking his horn before opening fire.
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