An ambulance, stolen while paramedics were responding to a medical call, was returned to the Dallas area city of University Park, Texas. The incident happened on November 20.
University Park Fire Department paramedics walked outside after completing in-home care for a patient to discover their ambulance had been stolen. Police officers and city 911 personnel immediately began using tracking technology to monitor the ambulance's location. Various police agencies were notified of the vehicle’s progress as it traveled through neighboring communities. Less than two hours later, police officers found the ambulance in a town about 40 minutes away, at a McDonald's restaurant. After securing the vehicle, UPPD officers entered the restaurant and questioned a man who had a paramedic safety vest in his possession. According to a press release, he admitted to officers that he had taken the vehicle.
That 35-year individual, who is homeless, was arrested. Following arraignment, his bond will be set on a charge of Theft of Property over $300,000 - a first-degree felony.
Ambulance to be Inspected
Police and fire personnel examined the ambulance and determined no narcotics or emergency equipment had been tampered with. Fire officials will notify the necessary agencies to inform them that the ambulance was out of the city’s possession. The ambulance will undergo a thorough mechanical inspection by city fleet services before it's put back into service. The fire department will use its backup ambulance until the ambulance is inspected.
