6/2/23 Broward County, FL – Woman Steals Ambulance From Tamarac While On Call – EMT In Back Jumped Out – Hit Vehicles And Tree – Arrested

A woman was taken into custody after deputies say she stole and crashed a private ambulance in Tamarac.

The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) said on Friday just after 1 p.m., dispatch received a call regarding a stolen private ambulance reported at University Drive and McNab Road. Deputies responded and began to search for the stolen ambulance.

The sheriff’s office said that an employee was inside the ambulance when it was stolen, but was somehow able to safely exit the ambulance.

At some point, deputies say the private ambulance was involved in a hit-and-run crash at Pine Island Road and McNab Road. But, no injuries were reported from this crash. The sheriff’s office said the ambulance was involved in another crash in Sunrise along Hiatus Road.

Photos taken by our sister station WSVN, show the aftermath of the ambulance’s rampage. The ambulance was seen off the road and into trees.

Investigators say the thief, 34-year-old Ciara McGriff exited the moving ambulance before it collided with a tree. Deputies were able to take the woman into custody and she was taken to a nearby hospital where her injuries were treated.

The sheriff’s office said McGriff was charged with grand theft auto, false imprisonment and leaving the scene of accident with property damage.