6/17/20 Beaufort, SC – A NY City Man Steals A Personal Care Ambulance Service Ambulance From The Beaufort Hospital – Wild Chase On I-95 – Spike Strips – Captured

Man arrested after stealing ambulance from Vanderbilt

June 17, 2020

www.islandpacket.com

 

A New York City man is accused of stealing an ambulance from Beaufort Memorial Hospital Monday night and leading police on a wild chase that ended when officers deployed a spike strip on I-95, according to authorities.

The 39-year-old has so far only been charged with failing to stop for blue lights, a misdemeanor, according to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. The Island Packet does not name those charged with misdemeanors unless they are in a position of authority or public trust.

However, the suspect could face additional charges in connection with the incident, police said.

The ambulance was stolen from hospital late Monday, said Beaufort Police Department Capt. George Erdel.

The suspect headed to I-95 and when he crossed into Jasper County, a deputy from that jurisdiction was waiting to pursue him, according to a Jasper County Sheriff’s Office report.

As the ambulance continued along the interstate, a detective with the Hardeeville Police Department put out spike strips six miles away, according to the report.

“The ambulance’s passenger front tire struck the spike strips, causing the driver of the vehicle to swerve and lose control,” the report said.

It said the driver then pulled to the side of the road where he was arrested about 11:30 p.m.

He was booked into the Jasper County Detention Center, according to jail logs.