Antioch man charged in attack during medical emergency

A 42-year-old Antioch man has been charged with attacking police and medical services personnel during a medical emergency, authorities said Thursday.

Anthony Clark, of the 200 block of Cedarwood Drive, was charged with aggravated battery of an emergency medical services officer and two counts of aggravated battery after allegedly hitting EMS and police officers during a rescue at his house about 3:30 a.m. on Feb. 25, authorities said.

Antioch Police Chief Craig Somerville said police were dispatched to assist the Antioch Rescue Squad with a patient. Clark was combative with rescue squad members and the police officers, and knocked one officer to the ground where he hit the back of his head on a rock.

Clark was subdued soon after, Somerville said, and was taken to a nearby hospital for a psychiatric evaluation.

The officer suffered a concussion, severely bruised ribs and a hyperextended elbow, and was treated and released from the hospital hours later.

Antioch Rescue Squad personnel were not injured and did not require medical treatment.

An arrest warrant was later obtained for Clark, and he was taken on Feb. 28 to the Lake County jail, Somerville said.

“Anyone who assaults a law enforcement officer or any other emergency services personnel should expect a swift and deliberate response,” he said.

If found guilty of the most serious crime, Clark could spend up to seven years behind bars and be fined up to $25,000.