Roberto Acosta
MLive.com, Walker, Mich.
FLINT, Mich. -- A 33-year-old man is accused of stealing an ambulance outside a Flint hospital and leading law enforcement officials on a chase through the city before crashing into a tree on his way to purchase heroin.
Raymond Kibby, of Burton, is due back in court for a probable cause conference Thursday, Dec. 5 after being arraigned on charges including assault with a dangerous weapon, unlawful driving away of an automobile, malicious destruction of fire or police property, and third-degree fleeing and eluding police.
The charges are tied to a Nov. 26 incident which began at McLaren Flint off South Ballenger Highway.
That’s where Kibby allegedly stole a STAT EMS ambulance.
The ambulance had just parked following a call and a patient was being delivered to the emergency room shortly after midnight at McLaren Flint off South Ballenger Highway.
Joseph R. Karlichek, Chief Operating Officer for STAT EMS, previously said the ambulance was in the bay outside the emergency room doors at the time of the incident.
The vehicle was unlocked with the keys in the ignition at the time of the theft due to an urgent situation with a patient when paramedics arrived, Karlichek noted.
The ambulance personnel noticed the vehicle was missing when the exited the hospital.
The location of the ambulance was confirmed and 911 was called. No injuries were reported to STAT EMS staff.
Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton said Kibby was at the hospital receiving treatment for heroin withdrawal. He’d been dropped off by his mom after it was noticed he was going through the withdrawals.
Interim Flint Police Chief Phil Hart previously said at least one city unit and several other law enforcement agencies including the Genesee County Park Rangers were involved in the pursuit.
Leyton said it’s “fortunate nobody was hurt” because the ambulance didn’t stop at red lights at Court Street and Miller Road.
The ambulance eventually crashed into a tree and hit a police vehicle in the area of Alvord Avenue and Fenton Road.
When Kibby spoke with officers, Leyton said, “He complained to the police that the ambulance wouldn’t go fast enough” because it only reached speeds between 35-40 miles per hour.
He also told police he’d stolen the ambulance to go and buy heroin on the city’s south side, Leyton said.
“I think we’re going to see if he’s eligible (for drug court). That’s what we think fueled his crime spree,” said Leyton. “If we could get him cleaned up, it’s to the benefit of himself and the community.”
Such a program requires a commitment though, Leyton said.
“You don’t succeed in problem-solving court without acknowledging you want to get the help, that you have a problem,” he said.
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