CHARLOTTE — The driver accused of crashing into an ambulance almost two years ago in University City rejected a plea deal in court Tuesday. He would have served 90 days in county jail under that plea and avoided prison.
In May 2023, Bryan Obgonna allegedly drove his speeding car through a red light, slamming into a MEDIC ambulance on North Tryon Street at Mallard Creek Church Road.
Two paramedics and a patient survived the collision but were injured.
Obgonna was charged with failure to move over, causing serious injury and three counts of assault with a deadly weapon.
EMT Gabriel Smith said he has knee pain and feels anxiety when he responds to crashes.
He is prepared to testify now that the case is going to trial.
“It did surprise me because (the plea) was a good deal for him,” Smith said.
If found guilty, Obgonna could be sent to prison.
“Is it your decision today to reject that offer and proceed to trial?” the judge asked the defendant.
“Yes, ma’am,” Obgonna said.
Video captured the moment Obgonna allegedly crashed into Smith’s ambulance with lights activated.
Smith said he had just loaded a patient into the truck with another EMT when they were hit.
“First responders that were on scene that arrived initially thought I was dead because there was so much blood and from just, from the sheer violence of the impact,” Smith said.
Smith had a concussion, bruised ribs and spine, and a ruptured ACL. He has scars on his head and legs from the crash.
Smith couldn’t fully return to work for 10 months and lost another job.
He plans to share these negative impacts during the trial.
“I feel like there needs to be an example made to show that first responders matter in this community, that things like this should not be tolerated,” he said.
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