A routine medical call in Beaver County turned surreal Wednesday night when a patient allegedly jumped behind the wheel of an ambulance and took off toward the Parkway, before officers stopped the rig at a nearby GetGo, officials said.
The incident unfolded around 7 p.m. on Midland Beaver Road while paramedics were treating the person. State police have launched an investigation, and for now, they are keeping a tight lid on the details.
Dispatchers' account
Beaver County dispatchers told Action News 4 that paramedics responded to a call on Midland Beaver Road at about 7 p.m. While crews were on scene, the patient reportedly got into the ambulance and drove away in the direction of the Parkway, according to WTAE.
Dispatchers said the vehicle did not get far. The ambulance was stopped at a nearby GetGo, and the station reported that state police are now handling the case.
How these incidents usually play out
Ambulance thefts are rare, but they do happen, and they tend to end quickly. EMS trade reporting notes that many stolen vehicles are recovered fast, thanks to onboard tracking gear and tight coordination between dispatchers and police.
In one recent Maine case, officers tracked down a stolen ambulance using a built-in device that broadcast the vehicle's location, according to EMS1. Other incidents around the country have escalated into full-on pursuits, highlighting the risks when an unattended emergency vehicle ends up rolling on public roads, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Investigation and next steps
State police in Beaver County are leading the investigation and have not released the patient's name or said whether any charges have been filed, WTAE reported.
Action News 4 reported that it has requested additional information from authorities and will update as more details become available.
Officials are asking anyone who may have seen the ambulance on the road or captured video of the incident to contact state police or Beaver County dispatch. They said more information will be released as the investigation moves forward.
