Houston Police Update: Stolen Ambulance Chase and Suspect Apprehension

Ambulance Theft and Pursuit

• 🚨 At approximately 6:30 PM, an ambulance was stolen from the emergency room area of Ben Taub Hospital.
• 📍 Thanks to an ambulance tracker, authorities were able to locate the stolen vehicle.
• 🚓 Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused to yield, initiating a pursuit.

Pursuit and Apprehension

• 🚁 A police helicopter provided overhead surveillance, allowing pursuing units to maintain a safe distance.
• 🗺️ The pursuit continued for about 30 minutes, ending in the Homes in Almea area where the ambulance went into a ditch and became stuck.
• 🚪 Officers ordered the suspect to exit the vehicle, but he refused and attempted to rev the engine.
• 🐶 A K9 unit was deployed, making contact with the suspect and causing an injury to his arm.

Suspect and Charges

• 🏥 The suspect was transported to Ben Taub Hospital for treatment of his injuries.
• ⚖️ He is expected to be transported to jail and faces charges of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle (UMV) and evading arrest.
• ❓ The suspect's connection to the hospital and potential mental health crisis are being investigated.

Incident Details

• 💨 The ambulance sustained damage, losing a tire after hitting a curb and driving on the rim, causing significant smoke.
• 🚦 At one point, the suspect used the ambulance's lights and sirens to navigate through traffic.
• 🚗 There is a possibility the suspect may have made contact with another vehicle during the chase, but this is unconfirmed.
• 🛠️ The operation was deemed successful due to the combined use of the tracker, helicopter, and unmarked units, ensuring public safety.