Trending Topics

Video: Fla. man finishes beer in stolen ambulance before arrest

The Florida Highway Patrol said the driver came to a stop and finished drinking a beer in full view of troopers

By Mark Price
The Charlotte Observer

TAMPA, Fla. — A man in need of a ride stole an ambulance, and the resulting traffic stop got stranger when the driver finished off a beer as troopers watched, according to investigators in Florida.

The theft happened around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, at HCA South Tampa Hospital, after first responders declined to give him a ride home, the Florida Highway Patrol reported in a March 16 news release.

It took about 10 minutes to locate the stolen Tampa Fire Rescue ambulance, and by then it was 2 miles southwest of the hospital, officials said.

“A pursuit ensued and continued for several miles, during which time the driver ran several stop signs, drove on the wrong side of the road, and nearly collided with several other motorists,” FHP said.

“At the intersection of South Hubert Avenue and West Empedrado Street, the driver came to a stop and finished drinking a beer in full view of troopers. As Troopers and Tampa Police Officers attempted to take the driver ... into custody, he tightly held onto the steering wheel of the ambulance to resist arrest.”

Once removed from the driver’s seat, the 43-year-old Tampa man “explained he had been drinking for the prior two days and stole the ambulance after being denied a ride,” troopers said.

He was arrested and charged with:

  • Burglary of an emergency vehicle
  • Grand theft of an emergency vehicle
  • Fleeing and eluding
  • Driving while license suspended
  • DUI
  • Resisting arrest

©2025 The Charlotte Observer.
Visit charlotteobserver.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Trending
Amid the grief and devastation of survivors, many are sharing the courageous efforts of first responders, fellow residents, family members and even camp counselors who put their lives on the line to save others
At least 51 people, including 15 children, are dead and 27 girls remain missing after a flash flood devastated Camp Mystic and surrounding areas in Kerr County
As rescuers search for dozens still missing in Kerr County’s deadly flash flood, questions grow over the timing and effectiveness of emergency alerts, despite claims that the storm’s severity was unforeseen
Floyd County officials are weighing the creation of a countywide EMS program as contracts with current providers run through 2026