Ambulance stolen while medics treat patient in SW Washington



KELSO, Wash. -- A wild scene unfolded Friday in southwest Washington when someone stole an ambulance while medics were treating a patient who was having trouble breathing.

According to Cowlitz 2 Fire & Rescue, the medic unit was called around noon to a home in the Lexington area where a woman was having breathing issues. While paramedics were treating the woman, a family member jumped into the ambulance, activated the emergency lights and sirens, and took off.

Fire crews alerted police and continued to treat the woman with oxygen.

Meanwhile, several police agencies pursued the ambulance onto southbound Interstate 5. Officers said they used spike strips to stop the ambulance which was going more than 80 mph during the pursuit.

All six tires of the medic unit popped and the suspect drove off the shoulder and partially onto the Burlington Northern train tracks, just south of Kalama.

Nobody was hurt. Police used a K9 and the suspect was arrested.

The suspect was booked into Cowlitz County Jail for investigation of Theft of Motor Vehicle, Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement Officer, Malicious Mischief 2nd Degree, Theft 2nd Degree, Violation of Uniform Controlled Substances Act and Driving With Suspended License 3rd Degree.



No further details have been released.