Driver hits ambulance at Mass and Cass, runs away, is arrested on a rooftop, removed via fire ladder, police say

Boston Police report arresting an Andover man they say ran into the back of a Boston EMS ambulance that had its lights and sirens going, then got out and ran away, ultimately winding up cornered and then cuffed on the roof of an industrial building next to Clifford Park.

Police say the crash, shortly before 9 p.m. on Wednesday, caused minor damage to the ambulance's rear bumper. Edward Bates, 30, of Andover, fled on foot. Police began looking for him and ultimately found him on the roof of 150 Shirley St., several blocks away, where state troopers who had joined the pursuit climbed up after him and placed him in custody. A Boston Fire ladder truck was brought in to bring him down to the ground and to booking.

Bates was charged with operating after suspension, operating within 300 feet of an ambulance with its lights and siren activated, leaving the scene of an accident causing property damage and trespassing, police say, adding he was also charged with possession of Class B drugs for the "small plastic bag containing crack cocaine" officers found in his wallet.

Innocent, etc.