7/8/23 Thompson, CAN – 20 Year Old Patient Steals And Crashes Into Mini Van And Tree – 5 Injured In Mini Van – Arrested

A 20-year-old faces numerous charges after allegedly stealing an ambulance in Thompson and crashing it into a minivan and a tree.

Thompson RCMP were called to a report of a man jumping in front of traffic and punching vehicles in Thompson, on Saturday at around 9 p.m. A few minutes later, police were notified that an ambulance had crashed into a tree near that location.

Police attended and located a male in the driver’s seat of the ambulance who was identified as the same male who had been jumping in traffic. A minivan was also damaged at that location, after being hit by the ambulance.

Emergency Medical Services arrived and were able to extract the driver from the ambulance. The driver of the ambulance and the five occupants of the minivan were all taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Investigation has determined that a 20-year-old male from York Landing, Man., stole the ambulance when EMS were on scene to attend the call related to punching vehicles. When he attempted to leave the scene, the ambulance collided with the minivan and crashed into a tree.

Once in hospital, RCMP said the suspect threatened medical staff. He was treated and released into police custody.

He is charged with five counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm, as well as uttering threats, theft of a vehicle, and possession of property obtained by crime. He remains in custody. Further charges may be pending.