YOUNGSTOWN - A Boardman man is on trial for allegedly assaulting two members of an ambulance crew that were trying to help him.

Trial got underway in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court Tuesday for 38-year-old Dustin James who was indicted on two counts of felonious assault, three counts of assault, resisting arrest and obstructing official business.

The charges stem from an incident in late December 2021 as James was being transported by Lane Ambulance for a suspected drug overdose.

Police say James became conscious while a paramedic was injecting him with the opioid overdose reversal drug Narcan.

The paramedic said James grabbed her hand holding the syringe, then grabbed her other hand, forcing her to the floor of the ambulance, trying to stab her with the contaminated syringe.

The EMT who was driving saw the scuffle, pulled the ambulance over along South Avenue and Trailwood, and radioed for police assistance.

The EMT jumped into the back of the ambulance, saying they continued struggling with the patient until police arrived and forced James to open his hand holding the syringe.

James was handcuffed to the gurney and his legs were strapped down while the ambulance went to Mercy Hospital in Boardman for further treatment.

The EMT and Paramedic were treated at the hospital for bruises sustained during the struggle.