GREENBELT, Md. — A Maryland ambulance crew was assaulted after stopping to check on a disabled vehicle. The assailant stole the ambulance and minutes later caused a multi-vehicle crash that killed one and injured others.
A Prince George’s County Fire/EMS department (PGFD) press release reported that at about 5:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 14, Ambulance 811B was returning to their station after completing a patient transport. As they were travelling southbound, they witnessed a passenger car leave the roadway near an interstate. The ambulance, staffed by two EMT/firefighters from Branchville Volunteer Fire Company and Rescue Squad, Inc., pulled to the shoulder to check on the driver.
A series of events occurred quickly with both crewmembers being assaulted by the driver of the car they stopped to help. The ambulance crew was reported to be visibly shaken but not injured. The suspect drove away in their ambulance.
The stolen ambulance drove about two blocks down and about 15 minutes after the incident started the stolen unit caused a multi-vehicle crash. At least three vehicles were damaged, including a vehicle occupied by an adult male and female.
“The adult male sustained critical injuries,” reported Mark Brady, Public Information Officer for PGFD.
The adult male died shortly after arriving at a local hospital. The adult female occupant was transported to a hospital with less serious injuries.
The stolen ambulance continued down the road after the initial collision. Eventually, it rolled onto its side and struck at least seven unoccupied vehicles in a restaurant parking lot.
At that time, police officers were able to arrest the suspect as he attempted to exit the ambulance. The suspect, an adult male, was transported in police custody to a local hospital where his injuries were described as critical.
A total of 11 vehicles, including the ambulance, were involved. Three people, including the suspect, were transported from the scene and three others were treated or evaluated on the scene and did not get transported to the hospital.
The Prince George’s County Police Department will be investigating the theft and multiple collisions.
The Branchville Volunteer Fire Company and Rescue Squad, Inc. in College Park own the ambulance. Branchville is one of nine all-volunteer stations out of 45 stations that operate within the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department. The ambulance appears to be totaled with replacement costing about $250,000. To continue service, Branchville owns a second ambulance and has access to a county reserve ambulance if needed.