Wrentham Man Involved in Medfield Crash

No one was injured after a Lifeline Ambulance driver passed out behind the wheel and allegedly drove down the banking and into the parking lot of 5 North Meadows Rd. in Medfield Wednesday, striking a parked car in the process, according to Medfield Chief of Police Robert Meaney Jr. 

"We believe the driver had some type of unknown medical event that caused him to leave the roadway, drive down the grass banking and into the parking lot at 5 North Meadows Rd., striking one motor vehicle that contained two occupants who were not injured," Meaney said.

The accident occurred at 5:34pm. Medfield Police and Fire responded with three police cruisers and two fire engines to the scene. The operator of the wheelchair van has been identified by Medfield Police as Daniel Gottlieb of Wrentham and he was cited for negligent operation and failure to stay within marked lanes, according to Meaney. The incident, according to Medfield Police, was reported to the Registry of Motor Vehicles Medical Affairs Bureau for follow up regarding the ability of the operator to drive a motor vehicle.

Meaney said Gottlieb had a passenger in the van he was driving when he passed out, but she was uninjured and taken to her destination by Lifeline Ambulance.

"She was transported to her destination by Lifeline Ambulance simply as a method of transport - she was not injured," said Meaney. 

Meaney stressed the importance of seat belts and said all involved in the accident were "properly restrained with seat belts," preventing injury. 

"Seat belts not only save lives, they also prevent injuries that can change the way you live your life," Meaney said. "It is enough to have to deal with getting your vehicle repaired. This does not even address a visit to the emergency room, follow-up care with your physician, referrals to specialists and having your physical activity potentially limited. The people in the car that was struck by the van had not even left the parking lot yet. It does not matter where you are going; a local errand or a trip on the highway to Maine. Please wear your seat belt - everywhere - every time."