6/5/24 Odessa, TX – Man Steals Odessa Fire Rescue Ambulance From Hospital – He Said He Stole It Because No Family Member Would Give Him A Ride Home – Goes Right To Jail

June 5, 2024

www.newswest9.com

42-year-old Michael Porter was arrested Tuesday morning after he admitted to stealing an Odessa Fire Rescue ambulance because no family members would pick him up from the hospital.

According to an arrest affidavit, at 5:38 a.m., the Odessa Police Department responded to the Medical Center Hospital Emergency Room in reference to an unauthorized use of motor vehicle call. OPD dispatch was told that someone stole an ambulance and it was last seen traveling northbound on N. Lee Ave.

Officers were able to locate the ambulance and conduct a traffic stop. When officers approached the driver, they asked him to step out of the vehicle. He was then detained. The man was identified as Michael Paul Porter.

According to OPD’s investigation, the approximate value of the ambulance, including its equipment, is $500,000.

The affidavit states that Porter admitted to stealing the ambulance because no family members would pick him up from MCH.

Porter was arrested for theft of property over $300,000. Porter was transported to the Ector County Law Enforcement Center. As of Wednesday, no bond has been set.