Chico Enterprise-Record
CHICO, Calif. — A Paradise man reportedly at Enloe Medical Center’s Cohasset Road facility for a mental health evaluation walked out of the building Wednesday night and stole an ambulance.
The vehicle was later found on Eighth Avenue, undamaged, and the suspect was found walking along the street, still wearing a hospital gown.
Hospital spokesman Christina Chavira said the ambulance hadn’t been left running. She said Enloe ambulance drivers have a way to secure their vehicles and still leave the keys in the ignition so they can avoid delays when called to emergencies. The security system failed in this case, she said, and the hospital is reviewing its procedures.
The 52-year-old man who took the ambulance wasn’t identified by police. Officials said he won’t face charges unless it can be shown he had the ability to form the intent to steal the ambulance.
The man admitted to police that he had taken it.
He was returned to the hospital to complete the mental health review.
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