Alleged Ambulance Theft and Police Chase
Introduction to the Incident
An alleged thief who police said jumped behind the wheel of a private ambulance with a staffer inside it in Niles before leading police on a chase that ended on the Tri-State Tollway was arrested on Tuesday afternoon near Hinsdale.
Details of the Ambulance Theft
Just before 4 p.m., the ambulance was stolen with an employee inside from a Portillo’s parking lot at 8832 W. Dempster St. in Niles, Niles police said. While inside the ambulance, the employee called 911 and dispatchers were able to determine the ambulance was going south on I-294, officials said.
Police Pursuit and Arrest
Illinois state police and other local police agencies stopped the ambulance on I-294 near Ogden Avenue — nearly 20 miles away from the Portillo’s — where the suspect was taken into custody, Niles police said. After the arrest, the suspect was taken to an area hospital for medical treatment.
Outcome and Investigation
The ambulance employee was unharmed, police said. Niles Police are investigating the incident to gather more details and understand the circumstances surrounding the theft and the subsequent chase.
Conclusion
The swift action by the police and the bravery of the ambulance employee who called 911 while inside the moving ambulance contributed to the safe resolution of the incident. The investigation is ongoing, and it is expected that more information will be released as the police gather and analyze evidence.
FAQs
What happened in Niles?
An alleged thief stole a private ambulance with an employee inside from a parking lot in Niles, leading to a police chase on the Tri-State Tollway.
Where was the ambulance stopped?
The ambulance was stopped by Illinois state police and other local agencies on I-294 near Ogden Avenue, approximately 20 miles from where it was stolen.
Was anyone harmed during the incident?
The ambulance employee who was inside the vehicle during the theft and chase was unharmed. The suspect was taken to a hospital for medical treatment after being arrested.
Who is investigating the incident?
Niles Police are investigating the alleged ambulance theft and the subsequent police chase.
