Man Damages AFR Ambulance by Chucking Pole into Back Window

Albuquerque –

On October 23rd, 2026, an Albuquerque Fire Rescue paramedic unit was cruising up Route 66 after a car wash, when 40-year-old Wendell Buschardt threw a pole through one of the back windows.

AFR called the Albuquerque Police Department to notify them of the vandalism of the vehicle. AFR said Buschardt decided to throw rocks at the windshield and he then fled eastbound up Central. AFR gave suspect description to APD and Buschardt was taken into custody near Central Ave. and Florida St.

We reached out to AFR and Lt. Jason Fejer said Medic 11 was briefly taken out of service as they used an out of service rig to replace the window. AFR valued a replacement new window at $500.

Buschardt was charged with battery upon a health care worker, criminal damage to property, and resisting, evading or obstructing an officer.