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.
L-101 Westbound Ramp to I-17 is closed due to a police incident. L-101 WB right lane also closed. #PhxTraffic
— Arizona DOT (@ArizonaDOT) January 12, 2016
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.
