Worcester man arrested for allegedly driving car at firefighters

WORCESTER, Mass. — A Worcester man has been arrested for allegedly driving his car at two firefighters Sunday.

Worcester Police say at 5 p.m. Sunday they were called to the area of 765 Main Street to assist Worcester Fire and EMS with a medical call. When police arrived, one of the firefighters told the officer one of them had just been struck by a vehicle on Beacon Street.

Firefighters had been called out for a report of a man passed out behind the wheel. Firefighters say when the man, identified as 29-year-old Kristopher Nater, woke up and saw the firefighters walking toward him, he stepped on the gas and drove directly at them. The two firefighters jumped out of the way, but one was hit by the side of the car. Police Nater didn't stop and continued driving down Hermon Street toward Main Street.

"One of them was transported to UMass Medical Center treated for a knee injury... his knee was pretty much blown up but he's doing okay today... he was released last night," said Worcester Fire Deputy Chief Martin Dyer.

Police found Nater outside of his car on Main Street. Nater had an active warrant and did not have a license to drive. He was arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, hindering a firefighter in the performance of duty, operating to endanger, and operating after suspension of license. He will appear in court Tuesday.

Cox Media Group