3/16/25 Tampa, FL – Man Steals Tampa Fire Rescue From Hospital – Miles-Long Chase Running Stop Signs – Florida Highway Patrol Stops Him And Is On Camera Drinking A Beer Then Pulled Out Of Ambulance And Arrested – Says The Hospital Denied Him Transportation Home And He Was Drinking For 2 Days

March 16, 2025

www.fox13news.com

 A Tampa Fire Rescue ambulance was stolen from HCA South Tampa Hospital on Saturday night and troopers arrested the suspect after a pursuit lasting several miles, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers say 43-year-old Michael Esquilin of Tampa took off following an attempted traffic stop without the emergency equipment activated on the ambulance.

During the pursuit, the trooper’s dashcam shows Esquilin running several stop signs, driving on the wrong side of the road and nearly colliding with several other vehicles.

The suspect eventually stopped at the intersection of South Hubert Avenue and West Empedrado Street, where FHP says he finished drinking a beer in full view of troopers.

What they’re saying:

Esquilin told troopers that he had been drinking for the past two days and stole the ambulance after being denied a ride home by emergency personnel.

Charges

• Burglary of an emergency vehicle
• Grand theft of an emergency vehicle
• Fleeing and eluding
• Driving while license suspended
• DUI
• Resisting arrest