HOUSTON, TX – A dramatic chase unfolded in Houston Tuesday evening after an ambulance was reported stolen from the Bent Emergency Room area. The incident began around 6:30 p.m. when the Houston Police Department received a call from the fire department, alerting them about the theft. Fortunately, the ambulance was equipped with a tracker, enabling authorities to monitor its movements.
Police quickly located the ambulance as it traveled down Scott Street. Officers attempted to pull over the vehicle, but the driver refused to stop, prompting a pursuit. To prevent any potential danger to the public, the police helicopter took over the chase, allowing ground units to fall back and avoid escalating the situation.
For approximately 30 minutes, the helicopter and unmarked units tracked the ambulance until it lost control near the intersection of Holmes and Almeda. The vehicle veered off the road, becoming stuck in the mud between a tree and a telephone pole.
When officers approached the immobilized ambulance, the suspect inside refused to exit. Despite repeated commands, the driver attempted to rev the engine in a futile effort to escape. Officers then executed a plan, breaking a window to gain access and deploying a K9 unit. The canine officer apprehended the suspect, who sustained an injury during the arrest.
The suspect was transported to Ben Taub Hospital for treatment of the K9-inflicted wound before being taken into custody. Police indicated that charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and evading arrest are expected.
Lieutenant Larry Krauss praised the coordination between the helicopter, unmarked units, and the tracker, emphasizing that these resources allowed the situation to be resolved without endangering the public. The highest speed reached during the chase was reported to be between 40 and 50 mph, with the suspect even using the ambulance’s lights and sirens to navigate through traffic.
The suspect’s motives remain unclear, and it is unknown if he had any connections to the hospital. While the suspect appeared to be in a state of delirium, further investigation will determine whether mental health issues were a factor.
Police are also investigating possible damage to a black Nissan vehicle at the Holmes intersection, which may have been struck during the chase. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
The incident concluded without major injuries or fatalities, marking a successful operation for the Houston Police Department in mitigating what could have been a dangerous situation on the city’s streets.