Sarasota Police SWAT team ends late night standoff

A 28-year-old man started an altercation in an ambulance that ended in the Sarasota County Jail early this morning.

Emergency medical technicians responded to a call from Erich Zimmer, a resident of the 4800 block of Old Bradenton Road, who said he was thinking about hurting himself. Paramedics called Sarasota Police when Zimmer jumped from an ambulance and barricaded himself in an apartment.

Officers tried to negotiate with Zimmer, who then called 911 and said he would use a knife on law enforcement if they attempted to enter. The Sarasota Police Department SWAT Team entered to assure he, and his roommate, were unharmed.

Zimmer was charged with battery on a law enforcement officer for fighting an officer taking him into custody.