1/18/25 Bullhead City, NV – Man Climbed Over Rear Wall Station To Steal Bullhead City Ambulance – Ambulance Spotted 50 Miles Away In California On Highway – California Highway Patrol And Other LEO Chase To Stolen Ambulance – Man Captured

January 18, 2025

www.mojavedailynews.com

 A Bullhead City Fire Department ambulance was recovered over 50 miles away from Bullhead City after a man allegedly stole it and drove it into California.

Chase Duquette, 33, of Bullhead City, has been charged on suspicion of grand theft auto of an emergency vehicle, felony evading and possession of stolen property.  He remains in the custody of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department with a bail amount of $60,000. 

At about 7:40 p.m., Friday, after the gates were closed, a man climbed over the rear wall of Station One, 1260 Hancock Road, said Lori Viles, Bullhead City Fire Department spokeswoman. The man then entered the station’s bays and stole Medic 712, a department ambulance. The on-duty crew at Station One was alerted by the station’s security system and reported the theft to 9-1-1 Dispatch and to Bullhead City Police Department.

“Thanks to the quick response and coordination of BHCPD, as well as neighboring law enforcement agencies including Tribal Police and California Highway Patrol, the stolen ambulance was located and safely stopped at the I-40 & Goff off-ramp,” Viles said.

The ambulance was reported stolen at about 6:56 p.m. (PT) Jan. 17 to the Colorado River Station/Needles Police Department.

The emergency vehicle was found traveling westbound on Interstate 40, at mile marker 126, according to a release from San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies attempted a traffic stop and while Duquette initially stopped, deputies reported he fled west. A vehicle pursuit ensued.

Duquette then reportedly exited the freeway at Goffs Road, about 19 miles from the initial traffic stop, and was taken into custody without further incident.

After the recovery, the ambulance was inspected and inventoried by department staff, Viles said. No items were found to be missing, and the vehicle was returned to service.

“We appreciate the quick and effective work of all law enforcement agencies involved,” she said.  “Thanks to swift action, the use of security and GPS systems and the support from our partners, the situation was resolved without further complications.”