In an unexpected turn of events, a patient from MyMichigan Medical Center in Alpena commandeered an ambulance and led authorities on a high-speed chase, officials reported Tuesday. The Alpena Police Department confirmed the incident, stating that the pursuit began after the patient drove away with the vehicle around 9:05 a.m. According to MLive, the ambulance was spotted shortly after the theft and police began a pursuit on southbound U.S.-23.
The escapade did not last long as law enforcement, which included Michigan State Police and the Alpena County Sheriff’s Office, managed to corral the stolen ambulance on a dead-end road near Glennie. Details about the driver's motivation for the theft are currently scant, and it is uncertain if or when charges will be filed. The escapade was swiftly brought to a halt, though, as police tactics effectively boxed in the stolen vehicle, as reported by True North Radio Network.
During the incident, speeds reached up to 85 miles per hour, adding a level of danger to what started as a situation at the local hospital. The multi-county response culminated with deputies from Alcona County executing the maneuver that ended the pursuit. The law enforcement agencies collaborated efficiently, with the Alpena County Sheriff’s Office playing a crucial role, as detailed by sources at 9&10 News.
Following the chase, the patient was taken into protective custody before being returned to the hospital for further treatment. Details surrounding the patient's condition or reasons for the initial hospital visit and subsequent theft have not been disclosed. The safe conclusion of this incident without injury stands as a testament to the effective response of local law enforcement in the face of a potentially hazardous situation. The collaboration among city police, state troopers, and county deputies ensured that an a hasty decision by one individual did not escalate into tragedy.
