By Mark Price
The Charlotte Observer
TAMPA, Fla. — A man in need of a ride stole an ambulance, and the resulting traffic stop got stranger when the driver finished off a beer as troopers watched, according to investigators in Florida.
The theft happened around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, at HCA South Tampa Hospital, after first responders declined to give him a ride home, the Florida Highway Patrol reported in a March 16 news release.
It took about 10 minutes to locate the stolen Tampa Fire Rescue ambulance, and by then it was 2 miles southwest of the hospital, officials said.
“A pursuit ensued and continued for several miles, during which time the driver ran several stop signs, drove on the wrong side of the road, and nearly collided with several other motorists,” FHP said.
“At the intersection of South Hubert Avenue and West Empedrado Street, the driver came to a stop and finished drinking a beer in full view of troopers. As Troopers and Tampa Police Officers attempted to take the driver ... into custody, he tightly held onto the steering wheel of the ambulance to resist arrest.”
Once removed from the driver’s seat, the 43-year-old Tampa man “explained he had been drinking for the prior two days and stole the ambulance after being denied a ride,” troopers said.
He was arrested and charged with:
- Burglary of an emergency vehicle
- Grand theft of an emergency vehicle
- Fleeing and eluding
- Driving while license suspended
- DUI
- Resisting arrest
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